FOLIO STAFF:
I enjoy reading Folio Weekly, prefer print version, but online is good too. Your topics are always onpoint and relevant - and have always been.
Not sure if you have every done an article on “snipe signs” in Duval county.I see them all over the place. Cash for Junk Cars, We Buy Houses, etc.For me, I am a long-term resident and pick up trash just about every day, especially those closer to my home / neighborhood.
What I have noticed about the one sign “Cash for Junk Cars” (on every single intersection) is that they now add feces on the back of them. I learned this the hard way.
I did tell City Code Enforcement and JSO Blight and JSO about this, but they said they can’t do anything unless they catch him in person. I did take pictures of him putting out the signs and gave his tag and full physical description of him, but they said they still need to catch him. Code Enforcement tells they now have to have Waste Control pick up the signs, no longer just them, because of the feces.
I wonder how much we pay as citizens for the city to pick up signs (both code enforcement and waste). This has been going on for years.I gave the city spreadsheets to show the 200+ intersections and how many of the signs at each one. And gave dates and times of the person putting out the sigsn. I even had a friend of mine do the background check on the auto-tag and he has a salvage company and also makes signs. I have tons of information on this.
My intent is to stop the litter. I feel bad for the school kids and crossing guards that walk past these signs every day.Attached are some recent pictures.
Concerned resident
BOUQS & BRICKS
BOUQUETS BRICKBATS
To the Jacksonville Sports Foundation for naming Samantha Vance as its new executive director. Vance has a proven track record demonstrating impactful leadership throughout her career, including consulting with the NFL and the NBA. She also has many years of experience leading nonprofits.
To the JEA Board for approving a whopping 25% salary increase for its CEO Vickie Cavey. Cavey’s new salary is $700,000 per year (or $336.54 per hour for anyone counting). Of course, the board insists her enormous salary has nothing to do with a potential rate increase customers could see beginning April 1, which, unfortunately, is not an April Fools’ Day joke.
HOROSCOPES
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
Speak up, Aries. You have spent far too long hiding in the shadows. The world deserves to hear what you have to say, and when better to say it than during your month (partially). Just remember to be a bit mindful, you have a tendency to speak now and think later.
Ignorance is bliss but knowledge is power and, Taurus, a truth is about to be revealed in your personal life that is going to cause a shift in the way you think. With Venus retrograde making its way through your spiritual house this month, you’ll be finding out a lot of truths about yourself through uninvited thinking and reflection. Know that whatever you learn about yourself will be a huge theme for the rest of the year, so don’t shy away from diving deep.
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI
You may be feeling a bit chaotic this month as your planet is doing the absolute most. You may find yourself struggling to set and maintain boundaries. And before you immediately lash out on the perpetrator, maybe practice seven seconds of silence. Mid-month will have you feeling a bit more at ease during the Virgo lunar eclipse. Let that feeling resonate.
CANCER
This month is all about numbers for you, Cancer. And no we aren’t talking about numbers in the sense of calories or how many times you go through the day saying “oh, my God”. We’re talking about the best kind of numbers, the one you’ll be seeing rising on a steady incline … money. And also maybe some angel numbers, but we digress. The Venus retrograde in your career zone pushes your bounds to what you think you’re capable of professionally. And believe it or not, you are more than capable of making your career dreams a reality.
LEO VIRGO
You have changed quite a bit since last year, Leo. Where you were once akin to a brick wall when facing opposing opinions, you have found yourself a bit more open. Plus, it’s always fun to prove the opposing argument wrong rather than shutting down completely. March will encourage you to continue down that path. It will bring a slew of critiques your way — and you will face them head on.
Sometimes the best thing you can do in a relationship is let go, Virgo, and this month you’ll either be letting go of old attachments or they’ll be letting go of you. The Virgo lunar eclipse on the 14th will encourage you to question where your emotional needs are met and where they are not. The ball is in your court and if you truly put the work in to focus on what makes you happy, you’ll find yourself in a much more healthier environment.
Your relationships, whether platonic or romantic, have not been the most pleasant as of late. Your point seems to get lost in the argument — forgotten in the wind — and you constantly find yourself arguing a moot point. Well, we hate to say it, but that will continue during March. Miscommunication will be your downfall if you don’t find a way around it.
Buy a damn organizer. Buy a planner. Do something because whatever it is you are currently doing is not working, and this upcoming month will only make things worse. And no “God gives his battles to his toughest soldiers” is not a valid excuse for ignoring your problems and filing them away for a later date. You need to prioritize your responsibilities.
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius
You’ve got your rose-colored glasses on this month, Sagittarius. From the way you dress to the way you talk, creativity, romance and expression will all be playing a role in the way you present yourself this month. With Venus in retrograde, the cosmos are pushing you to get started on that creative project you’ve been putting off and to nurture your passions.
Capricorn
March brings a mix of ambition and reflection, Capricorn. The first half of the month pushes you to focus on career goals, but as the month progresses, you may feel the need to slow down and reassess your priorities. Relationships, both personal and professional, require patience — listen more than you speak. Stay steady, but don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
Aquarius
It’s OK, Aquarius, no one really knows the right thing to say and recently, communication hasn’t been your strong suit. Seriously, how can you know the right thing to say when you are in a constant discussion mentally? With the Mercury-Venus conjunction that’s peaking on the 11th, this will be a good time to revisit those unfinished conversations or simply tell the world how you truthfully feel. If you’re still having a tough time with words, remember that there are other mediums that can be used to express how you feel.
Pisces
While money and value are often intertwined, your personal worth isn’t defined by your bank account. This distinction will take center stage for you this month, Pisces. With both Venus and Mercury retrograde in your second house of income and resources, you’ll find yourself reflecting on how your relationship with money affects your self-image. Remember — true self-worth can’t be bought.
OPENS MARCH 1
Frozen in Time: An Ice Age Adventure
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens jacksonvillezoo.org
MARCH 1
SPARdiGras Sesquicentennial Park sparcouncil.org
The Florida Man Games
St. Johns County Fairgrounds, Elkton thefloridamangames.com
MARCH 1-2
Jacksonville Home + Patio Show
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center jacksonvillespringhomeshow.com
Strawberry Fest
Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs claycountyfest.com
MARCH 7
MVP Praise Party 2025 Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
MARCH 7-9
Vintage Market Days of Jacksonville Clay County Fairgrounds vintagemarketdays.com
MARCH 8
Jacksonville Urban Agricultural Tour Various locations slowfoodfirstcoast.com
St. Patrick’s Parade
Downtown St. Augustine celticstaugustine.com/parade
MARCH 8-9
St. Augustine Celtic Music Heritage & Festival
Francis Field celticstaugustine.com
MARCH 9
Luis Elizondo Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 12
Experience Ramadan
WJCT Studios wjct.org
MARCH 13
Filmmaker Forum
Emerald Station goldlenislesfilmsocietycom
MARCH 14-16
Collective Con
Prime Osborn Convention Center collectivecon.com
MARCH 16
Clay Bridal Spectacular Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
MARCH 28
Jacksonville Bully Showdown
Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents.com
MARCH 29
Art in the Park
James Weldon Johnson Park jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
Francis Field lionsfestival.com
MARCH 20
Children’s Music Festival
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
Your unique life, planned.
Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.
Will Shepard, MIB, AIF®, AAMS® Financial Advisor
245 Riverside Ave, Suite 500 Jacksonville, FL 32202 D 904.248.5438 O 04.858.4100 will.shepard@raymondjames.com raymondjames.com/shepardandshepard
© 2024 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 24-BDMKT-6351 KS 2/24
Submitted by “The Razer”
Food delivery services have continued to grow over the last five years after becoming so popular during the pandemic. It was the easiest way to stay socially distanced and the safest way to avoid exposure. DoorDash reports that 86% of Americans order food delivery on a third-party app at least twice a month. That’s quite a bit jump from 2019. Apparently, food delivery services have grown by an average of 17% year over year since 2020.
We wanted to hear from someone about their experience being a delivery driver. We found a woman we will refer to as “The Razer” who has been delivering for a few years now, here is what she had to say.
ON THE DASH FOR CASH
Whether delivering food is a side hustle or full-time job, any dasher would agree: There is cash to collect! Sounds too good to be true: work any time of day and get daily payouts! Customers are the management in the dashing world. Ratings hold dashers accountable, and the higher ratings unlock
I discovered amazing restaurants in Jacksonville: Mr Flounder, Hook Fish and Chicken, Huey Magoos and Belle Vista to name a few. I realized not all people treat dashers well and the side of town you dash on often determines whether you will be tipped appropriately or not. I have been disrespected by disgruntled managers at local fast-food chains for errors they made with orders. Certain store employees completely ignore dashers and appear to
act to knowing what I did at the hospital all day. Too many of these fast-food workers act like they have such a hard job. I’m literally saving lives, and they are irritable about making food orders. Then there are the customers who think we are getting some giant pay out from DoorDash to bring them food at 1 a.m. and do not tip at all. Tipping three dollars for a gallon of gas is the minimum one would expect. Overall, it has been an adventure, and my side
With a dash here and a dash there, I will continue my quest to add another
table and now it’s tax write-off! While I don’t think it’s an ideal permanent job, dashing earns fast cash, and the pros outweigh the cons so far! So even
MARCH 1
Gate River Run 2025
Sports Complex Area
gateriverrun15K.com
MARCH 1-2
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
MARCH 8
Monster Jam
EverBank Stadium jaxevents.com
MARCH 13-16
The Players Championship
TPC Sawgrass theplayers.com
MARCH 14
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears
Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
MARCH 15
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
MARCH 16
St. Paddy’s Run 5K and 10K Evergreen Cemetery 1stplacesports.co
MARCH 19
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears
Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
MARCH 22
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuit Run 5K Chick-Fil-A at River City Marketplace 1stplacesports.com
Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
MARCH 25
Florida vs. Florida State Baseball 121 Financial Ballpark jaxevents.com
MARCH 29
Florida Avengers vs. Tennessee Trojans Edward Waters University floridaavengers.com
Vilano Bridge 5K & 10K Run
Surfside Park Beach 1stplacesports.com
MARCH 30
March to Get Screened Durbin Crossing 1stplacesports.com
Photo by Daniel Riano
HOLD ON TIGHT AND DON’T LET GO
PBR Unleash the Beast comes back to Jacksonville
Any day with a front-row view of professional bull riders — tight pants, cowboy hats, the whole deal — is a good one. No complaints. Ever. But this isn’t about my cowboy daydreams; it’s about the raw talent and adrenaline that the top 40 bull riders in the league brought to the arena.
On the sunny afternoon of Feb. 23, our creative director Ambar Ramirez and I found ourselves front and center — literally in the dirt — as the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena shed its usual skin for a full-blown rodeo. The scent of freshly churned soil filled the air, cowboy hats outnumbered ball caps, and the roar of the crowd was only rivaled by the snorts of 1,500-pound bulls ready to launch the toughest riders in the game sky-high — and that they did.
Now, this wasn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been going to PBR events for years — even covered last year’s competition — but the rush of watching a bull ride never fades. I was just as hyped last weekend as I was four years ago, but this event was different as they were in the process of filming a new Michelob Ultra commercial, so, things were a bit theatrical.
Sunday marked the second and final day of the PBR Unleash the Beast Jacksonville contest, and every rider was locked in, ready to top their performance from the night before. The energy in the arena was akin to that of a Jacksonville Jaguars playoff game—rare, but absolutely electric.
The rider introductions felt straight out of a blockbuster, complete with fire, fireworks, rock music and emcees rattling off names and hometowns like a roll call for adrenaline junkies. After the not-so-swift introduction of the 40 riders and four rodeo clowns, the night kicked off with rider Trace Redd on top of Rockville, who has an 87% buck-off rate, and proved that fact when he launched Redd off his back after only 5.60 seconds.
If you caught my last PBR article (and if not, what are you waiting for?), you’d know my dad is a die-hard bull-riding fan. But even more than that, he’s a diehard Cool Whip fan—not the dessert topping, but the No. 9 ranked bull in the league with a 98% buck-off rate. Yeah, you read that right: 98% of riders don’t last 8 seconds. As my dad put it: “That is one mean, badass bull.”
Is it wrong to root for the bulls during this?
For those unfamiliar with the system, a score is based on two key factors. First, the rider must stay on the bull for a full eight seconds without touching themselves or the bull with their free hand. The second part of the scoring is split into two categories, each worth 50 points: one half evaluates the rider’s control, style and ability to stay composed, while the other half scores the bull’s performance—how hard it bucks, spins and challenges the rider. If the bull doesn’t meet the judges’ standards for difficulty, the score may take a hit or the rider could be offered a re-ride. On average, bulls score around 43.5 points per ride, so the rest comes down to the cowboy.
Next up, Alan de Souza took on Hoka Hey — and delivered exactly what we were all waiting for: total domination. He stuck it out for the full eight seconds, racking up a solid 82.25 and sending the crowd into a frenzy. As the Long-Go got underway, every rider left it all in the arena. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — these guys make it look effortless. Like they were born to ride bulls. And, to be fair, most of them were.
As I mentioned earlier, we had the ultimate mud-side seats—and I’m not exaggerating. We got up close and personal with the action, dodging heart attacks and wearing our fair share of arena mud. At one point, a bull blasted out of the chute and slammed straight into the railing in front of us, sending everyone (and everything we had set down) flying backward. We had to stand up, shake off the dust, and accept the reality that we now had dirt in places dirt was never meant to be. I even turned around to see an 8-monthold covered head-to-toe and her proud father holding her, boasting about how this was “her first rodeo and she’s handling it like a champ.”
As the Long-Go continued, the anticipation was climbing. Everyone in the arena was ready for section 4 to commence — the top riders from night one and none other than kid-legend John Crimber, the 19-year-old bull-riding phenom. Watching Crimber gives me the false hope that I too could hop on a bull and ride it with ease. It’s a dangerous thought. A foolish one, really. I have the balance and coordination of a newborn deer, but anyway, this isn’t about me.
Crimber rode Velvet Revolver like a pro, putting up a perfect 8-second ride and scoring a solid 87.50. That performance landed him in 5th place, just behind Keyshawn Whitehorse, Manoelito de Souza Junior, Kaique Pacheco and Felipe Furlan.
After the Long-Go, it was time for the Short-Go — the championship round. This is where the top 12 highest-scoring cowboys face off for the chance at first place. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The energy was off the charts as Austin Richardson, Sage Kimzey and Brady Fielder each delivered stunning 90-point rides.
Richardson atop Eyes On Me wound up taking the crown for the event with his outrageous 91.50 ride. To say the crowd went wild would be a severe understatement. The man had a spectacular performance both days. But hold onto your horses — or bulls in this case — because I had the opportunity to sit down with Mason Taylor, ranked 37th in the world, for a quick chat about life under the reins. Here’s how it went.
CARMEN: So you performed in the 2021 PBR World Finals with a broken jaw, right?
TAYLOR: Yes.
CARMEN: What was going through your mind before each ride, knowing that you risked further injury?
TAYLOR: Just don’t get hit in the face. That was really all I tried to do, you know? Because they told me if I got hit in the face again, it was going to be a bad deal because everything was already, you know, broke. So, that was a risk that I had going into it. But, there’s a risk every time you get on a bull. So I kind of figured, you know what? I’m pretty good at doing what I do. So, whenever, I had a helmet on. It was going to take most of the hit anyway. I was a little nervous on the first bull. And once I figured out that it didn’t hurt while I was riding, it was a little sore and hurt after I got off, you know, from hitting the ground and stuff like that. But yeah, nothing that I couldn’t manage. So after the first bull was under my belt, it was just ready for the rest of the week to get rolling.
CARMEN: That is terrifying... You started riding as a kid, but was there ever a moment when you questioned if bull riding was the right path for you?
TAYLOR: You know, there’s been a couple of times where you go through a rough patch, and you don’t know if the next one’s going to get you out of it or not. But that’s kind of what I like about it. The unknown that comes with riding bulls for a living. For me personally, not really. Just because this is all I’ve ever wanted to do. So just getting in a bad spot and not riding very many bulls is going to happen. That’s just what comes with the sport. So as long as you keep going, you’ll eventually get out of it.
CARMEN : Well, that’s nice. Your high-marked ride was 91.5 points on I’m Busted. What made the ride so special? And do you think you have an even better one in you for this weekend?
“THAT’S KIND OF WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT. THE UNKNOWN THAT COMES WITH RIDING BULLS FOR A LIVING. JUST BECAUSE THIS IS ALL I’VE EVER WANTED TO DO.”
TAYLOR : You know, absolutely. That bull there, I’ve had several people tell me that I was cut short of a few points on that. But it is what it is. I ended up riding him, and he was one that not very many guys got by. I still think to this day that I and only three other guys stayed on that bull ever in his career.
CARMEN: Wow.
TAYLOR: He was that tough. So yeah, when I was able to snap him in Sacramento, it was the best ride that I had up to that point. And it was a really cool moment just because literally nobody ever rode that bull. So whenever I rode him, it kind of gave me a sense of confidence that I belong at this level. It’s still one of my favorite rides to this day.
CARMEN: So only three riders have ever done that?
TAYLOR: Yeah. He was very, very tough. We were like, well, dang, he can be ridden. It was a year and a half later, I think Keyshawn rode him. He would go six, eight, 10 months without somebody. He was just that tough of a bull.
CARMEN : I wonder what goes into a bull being that tough. Why some of them are, not docile by any means, but easier to ride than others?
TAYLOR : Yeah. He never really had a set pattern. Like, he was always trying to jump away from you, jump out from underneath you. He would switch ways in a split second.
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January 20 - April 19, 2025
Artist Walkthrough: Friday, Feb. 7 | 5-8pm
CARMEN: He’s just trying to get you off of his back, huh? Bull riding is as much mental as it is physical, so how do you prepare yourself mentally while you’re in the chute before you get out there?
TAYLOR: Just try to stay calm and, as crazy as it sounds, we can move before the bull does. And if we move before the bull does, it’s not going to go well. Whenever I’m getting ready, I just try to focus on taking it one jump at a time. And whichever way he goes, I try to follow it as best I can.
Carmen: You’ve battled injuries throughout your career, obviously you’ve had your broken jaw, but that also includes a hip injury that sidelined you for part of 2023. How has your approach to training and recovery changed over the years?
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TAYLOR: You know, I used to be able to show up to the event, sit in the locker room and just get there in enough time to be able to lace on my rope, put my spurs on and put my riding pants on. I could walk straight out there and get on a bull. But, yeah, things have changed nowadays. I got to get there a couple of hours early. I got to make sure I warm up. I got to make sure that I did my workout warm up routine to make sure everything’s moving right the way it’s supposed to because of me having that hip surgery. Some things, they just get tight nowadays. And if I get on with everything tight, you know, most of the time it doesn’t go good and I’m sore for three or four days after that. So I got to get there and you know prepare nowadays.
CARMEN: What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about professional bull riding?
TAYLOR: Probably you know, that we tie their nuts up with a flank.
CARMEN: Ha ha ha!
TAYLOR: It’s just like us wearing a belt. It’s on super tight, but it’s not on anything that’s going to hinder the bull from bucking. It’s just like us having a belt around our waist.
It’s on there snug and it just gives them something to try to kick off. There are some bulls nowadays that are going to do the same thing without a flank because they’re just bred to.
Carmen: Yeah, I thought it was tied around their nuts this whole time.
TAYLOR : Ha ha ha. Yeah. No, it’s not on their junk for sure.
CARMEN: OK. Good to know. It makes it a little less cruel. So you’ve competed in places like Madison Square Garden and other major arenas. What has been the most unforgettable crowd or moment in your career so far?
TAYLOR: There’s probably two of them. Madison Square Garden is probably the coolest arena I’ve ever rode in. The fans are unreal over there. There’s a different type of energy in that building. And it’s honestly one of the neatest venues I’ve ever been able to ride in. And the other one, the only reason why it’s over Madison Square Garden in my book is because it’s our Super Bowl. Whenever our World Finals were in the T-Mobile Arena. They had that place sold out in Vegas. It’s loud, it’s rowdy, and there’s 25, 30,000 people screaming your name. It’s a really cool feeling.
CARMEN: That sounds like it. Outside of bull riding, what is something most people don’t know about you? Like, do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
TAYLOR: Yeah. I’m a big golfer. So whenever I’m not riding bulls, I’ve probably got a golf club in my hand or I’m at the golf course practicing, trying to get my game better.
CARMEN: Those are on two opposite ends of the spectrum. Your job is crazy dangerous and you like to wind down and just golf.
TAYLOR: Yeah, and I think that’s why they go so well together. Because I can get out on the course and forget about everything and just golf. A hard enough sport as it is. In that time I get a break from bull riding. I’m not worried about what happened last week or what bull I got that next weekend or anything like that. I just keep my mind off of it.
CARMEN: What’s your favorite course you’ve played?
TAYLOR: Probably Payne’s Valley in Branson, Missouri. Tiger Woods’ [designed] course.
CARMEN: Oh, nice.
TAYLOR: Yeah, it’s very, very, very, very nice.
CARMEN : Have you done the course here? TPC?
TAYLOR: No, I have not. That’s one of my bucket list. It’s $1,000 a round over there, but I thought about paying it several times just to get the experience.
CARMEN: I’m sure you could pull some strings. Oh, you don’t know me? I’m a professional bull rider. Come on.
TAYLOR: Ha ha, yeah, maybe.
CARMEN : If you had to compare your riding style to a song, what would it be and what makes it the perfect fit?
TAYLOR : Oh, well, I don’t know. I have no idea. I’ve never had that question asked before. I don’t know, probably, “Don’t Let Go” by Justin McBride.
CARMEN: That’s a really good one. This is our last question, but if you had to ride a different animal for eight seconds, besides a bull, what would you choose? And how do you think you would do?
TAYLOR: Like, easy or crazy?
CARMEN: I mean, it’s your choice, whatever you like. I guess we’ll go hard because you could just say a sheep.
TAYLOR: Yeah. Probably a shark. I don’t know. That’d be hard. Have you ever seen the videos where they jump 12, 15 feet out of the water? It would be pretty hard to stay on.
CARMEN: I feel like you’d just slip right off.
TAYLOR: Yeah, probably.
MONDAYS
• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m
• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.
• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.
• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–River City/ Northside, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.
• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.
• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.
TUESDAYS
• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• The Back 40, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.
• Gator’s Dockside–Oakleaf, (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Bartram, 7 p.m.
• Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.
• Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood, 7 p.m.
• My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.
• Players Grille, 7 p.m.
• Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.
• Southern Grill, 7 p.m.
• Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.
• Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
• Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.
• Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
• Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.
• The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.
• Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.
• Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.
• Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.
• Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Town Center (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m
• Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.
• Root Down (music trivia), 9 p.m.
THURSDAYS
• Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– Nocatee (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Justice Pub (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Southside (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.
• The Stout Snug, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Brooklyn (’80s, ’90s & 2000s), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– St. Aug, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–San Marco, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 8 p.m.
FRIDAYS
• Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 6 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.
• Engine 15 Brewing, 7 p.m.
• MVP’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
• Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo (pop culture), 7p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURES RANKED BEST TO WORST
Words by Waverly Loyd
HONORABLE MENTIONS
LETTERBOXD REVIEWS
Ladies, gents, and theydies alike. The cinephile superbowl is here.
The 97th Academy Awards is inching closer with a whopping 48 films receiving nominations. With some controversial takes that have most netizens scratching their heads (*blows a kiss at Emilia Pérez*) and some truly outstanding ensembles that remind me why I love cinema (*winks at Anora*), and some that I imagine had the Academy circle-jerking each other off while watching the first screenings — but had everyone else falling asleep (*trips “The Brutalist” while it walks by.*) I won’t be covering all eight Academy Award Best Picture Nominees, but here are the ones that I have seen. The ratings provided next to each film are from the average rating they received on Letterboxd, while my personal rating will be listed at the end of my review. Enjoy.
NOSFERATU- 5/5
Me during my Luteal phase.
GLADIATOR II-4/5
I see now why men think about the Roman Empire so much …Pedro Pascal in a mini skirt wielding a sword has been added to the spank bank repertoire.
KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES-3/5
Me to all the apes in this movie: “YALL DUDES DON’T KNOW SHIT. ALL YALL BE TALKING BOUT ‘CAESAR AIN’T NO HITTER, CAESAR AIN’T THIS, CAESAR A FAKE’ SHUT THE F*CK UP! IF I CATCH ANOTHER MF TALKING SWEET ABOUT CAESAR IM BEATIN’ THEY ASS” and then blaring Love Sosa at full volume on my JBL speaker.
DUNE: Part Two (4.4/5 star rating)
Coming in strong, we have “Dune: Part Two” with a whopping 4.4 average rating, which is extremely high for a Letterboxd review. Among all of the movies nominated for Best Picture, it doesn’t surprise me that this movie has the highest rating in this category. In every way, this movie is captivating. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, is this masterpiece of interplanetary sci-fi that has rarely been seen since “Star Wars.” Villeneuve truly knows how to bring these fictional worlds to life and without overusing CGI. This movie was shot at multiple locations including Jordan, Budapest, Italy, Abu Dhabi and Hungary, in order for Villeneuve to attempt to capture the most authentic looking landscapes possible and to find all new shooting locations so nothing looked as it did in “Dune” (2021). With a budget of $190 million, you can tell that every cent was used to create a world so immersive and tangible that it’s hard to doubt its existence.
Though there are many remarkable scenes from this movie, my favorites were probably scenes including Giedi Prime, the home planet of the Harkonnens. Giedi Prime has a black sun, therefore, their world would reflect light much differently than planets with a sun like ours. In order to capture this on-screen, infrared cameras were used to add more depth and texture to the characters and their surroundings. I think that the Giedi Prime sequence held some of my favorite shots in the movie because of the beautiful use of lights and shadows. There is a gorgeous moment with Feyd and Lady Margot, where they stand in a hallway while fireworks go off outside. Because of the infrared camera, the lights created from the fireworks look like thunder and lightning, and it is so beautifully done.
So visually, this movie is gorgeous. However, some fans feel that due to the dedication to the visual effects, the plot/acting falls short. I, personally, do not agree with this. I think that every performance given was spectacular. One of my favorite performances was that of Austin Butler as Feyd Rautha. It’s always jarring to see someone who only plays “heartthrobs,” then play someone intentionally grotesque, and Butler really embodied this role. Feyd’s sadistic, monstrous nature was captured very well by Butler, and every scene with him made me feel ill at ease. Including his cannibal harem. Was not expecting that! Rebecca Ferguson and Timotheé Chamalet gave excellent performances, as usual. Stellan Skarsgård gives such a disgusting performance of Baron, my skin crawls whenever he’s on the screen. Zendaya, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and more all gave great performances that added to the success of this film.
I do not think this is going to win Best Picture considering it’s not nearly pretentious enough for the Academy to get off to. But I loved this movie, and clearly the people did, too.
The Brutalist (4/5 star rating)
Now this is the Academy’s wet dream of an Oscar-winning film. Shot in 34 days — with a run time of almost four hours (3 hr, 35 min. to be exact,) — we have a drama starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce just to name a few. Written, produced and directed by Brady Corbet, we are told a story of the American Dream, through the eyes of László Tóth, a renowned architect in Hungary, who has escaped war-torn Europe post-WWII. He comes to America for better opportunities and meets a powerful industrialist named Harrison Lee Van Buren, who recognizes László’s potential and wants László to build him something unlike anything the citizens of Doylestown, Pennsylvania have ever seen. We are taken through this tale for nearly four hours. It took me almost a week to get through this one. Here are my thoughts.
There are two acts, an intermission, and an epilogue. The amount of times I paused it to see how much I had left because it had felt like I had been watching this for at least six hours, only to see it had been 30 minutes was a consistent mistake I made while trudging through this movie.
The first half of this movie is excellent. This is Brady’s magnum opus and is going to have his name spread throughout the entire film world through his tenacity to produce such an intense work of art. I completely understand why it has been praised so highly and garnered 10 Oscar nominations. The camera work and cinematography are stunning. Through intelligent use of natural lighting, as well as being told through various seasons, all throughout the ’50s through the ’80s, this movie feels as old as it is. Brady wanted his film to feel as authentic as possible, and he largely achieved this by choosing to film with the rarely used VistaVision 35mm. This is a high-resolution widescreen film format developed in the 1950s. It’s great for capturing widescreen shots, and for a film that captures many different types of liminal space, this kind of format seemed like the perfect choice for Brady.
In Act I, we see László learn how to adjust to living as an immigrant in America during such a volatile time. We see him reconnect with his wife after years of separation. We see him struggle with heroin abuse. We see the cost of artist vs. commerce and how, often, artists are made to compromise their work to appease someone else, therefore, causing them to lose the love they originally had for any given project because they feel like it is no longer their creation. The first half is really special. And then there’s the second half… There is no reason for this movie to be as long as it is other than the fact that Brady just wanted it that way. There are so many pointless scenes and boring side quests.
It becomes monotonous after a while and you begin to feel restless waiting for any kind of change in pace or excitement that never really comes. This was a movie I finished where I thought, “I’m glad I watched that but I’ll never watch it again.” Just because of how dense it is and how excruciatingly long with hardly any stimulation.
The acting was, of course, superb. Brody is a master of his craft. He makes acting seem so effortless and real. You forget you are watching an actor play a character. You are instead watching László Tóth through his life. His brilliance with his facial expressions, as well as his little nuances with his speech that make Tóth’s Hungarian heritage feel so tangible. It was no surprise at all that he has been nominated for Best Actor.
But this has come with quite a bit of controversy. When I was watching this movie, I remember being mesmerized by his excellent accent. So much so that I researched into his preparation for the role, only to find out his voice, and many others in the film, were fine-tuned by AI to make their accents sound as realistic as possible. I honestly felt betrayed when I found this out because a movie that puts so much work into feeling like it could’ve been filmed in the ’50s, ’60s, etc., to then use something as modern as Artificial Intelligence really disappointed me. We are all aware that AI is becoming a part of our new normal, whether we want it to or not, but I think that artificially changing parts of a movie meant to feel so historical is a frustrating juxtaposition. It would be like watching the Titanic and Rose pulls out her phone to take a selfie of her and Jack. This has caused some confusion within the cinephile world because audience members, myself included, feel as if we have been manipulated into thinking Adrien’s acting is better than it actually is. If there was no AI, then what would his Hungarian accent actually sound like? How convinced would we be? I know Adrien Brody is an incredible actor and if he wins, this will be his second Oscar win in his well-established career. But, is it fair that he would win when his accent wasn’t created by himself? But rather AI? I am curious to see if this will win Best Picture, and I think it is very likely Adrien will be winning Best Actor, regardless of the AI enhancement.
3/5
Anora (4/5 star rating)
Tied with “The Brutalist,” we have “Anora.” To be frank, this is one of the best movies I have seen in the last decade. It has a mix of all my favorite components of a movie. It is a comedy drama with some thriller elements as well as romance and some dark content. It is serious yet playful, sexy, yet sweet, hilarious, yet heart-crushing. And I was glued to the screen for every single moment. When I heard about this movie, I knew I would be in for a fun ride. A rich Russian boy falls for his parents’ worst nightmare, a young, broke sex worker. Think Russian Cinderella. They get married, his parents find out, and now they’re stuck in a humorous mess to convince his parents he made the right decision. I was not, however, expecting to cry and feel the level of betrayal that I felt, as I did at the end of this movie. Anora (Mikey Madison,) breathes so much life into this film. We see her fall for Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), and we see her falling into this fairy tale where her prince swoops in to save her from her hard life … and they live happily ever after. Anora is passionate and alluring, yet also naïve and accidentally blurs the lines of work and play to become so crossed she doesn’t know what’s real anymore. As a woman, I think a lot of us can empathize deeply with Anora and where this movie ends up taking us. So many of us have blindly trusted and not seen the signs for what they were (love bombing) and were left to be the only one suffering in the end. I think one of the most painful moments is watching Anora stick up for Ivan for most of the movie, and then when they finally are back together, he is this cold, uncaring person — the person he was all along — a selfish, spoiled, weak boy with no feelings for anyone but himself. And all of a sudden, we realize that so many of the characters we’ve met and dislike because they seem to be the antagonists trying to destroy Ivan and Anora’s relationship, are actually decent people who truly do have her best interests at heart because they have always seen Ivan for what he is. The sequence of events that follows once Toros and his men arrive at the mansion to take Anora and Ivan to get their marriage annulled was hilarious and so overstimulated. I loved that scene so much.
Another scene I loved was one of the final moments Anora shares with Ivan where she tells his mother “Your son is a f***ing p*ssy,” while taking off her coat he had gifted her and calling him out for being the pathetic man he is, while Ivan just sits there with a blank look on his face. Ivan’s father bursts out laughing and continues to do so for the rest of the scene. It further emphasizes with the audience how fed up everyone is with Ivan’s charade and that he truly is not a good person and Anora has been played for a fool. His own father has been pushed past his limits and is watching his loser of a son have his ass handed to him by some girl while she reads him and his family to filth.
I have a feeling Madison will be bringing home her first Oscar. This movie would not have been nearly as emotional and impactful if not for her addictive performance.
Conclave (3.9/5 star rating)
“Your Eminence, might I take a puff off your vape? I fear mine has died, and I have just discovered DoorDash doesn’t deliver to the Vatican.” :/
An intelligent religious political thriller starring Ralph Fiennes as he unravels dark secrets within the church while being sequestered in the Vatican among his other powerful brothers to choose a new pope after their previous one passed away. (For the brain rot girls: Cardinal Lawrence clocking the tea while moody divas spread rumors about each other to try to win first place for the “most popular” award.)
Cardinal Lawrence: “Leave me alone, I am above such things as gos -
Also, Cardinal Lawrence: “Wait, he did what? GIRL, spill rn.”
I strongly believe Ralph Fiennes will be winning Best Actor for his work in this film. I also think that this is likely to win Best Production Design and is neck and neck with Dune: Part Two for Best Original Score. I think this was an underrated film and highly recommend watching. 4/5
The Substance (3.8/5 star rating)
A gruesome depiction of what it is like to be a woman in Hollywood, and the lengths you’ll go to in order to preserve your younger self in a world where aging is seen as a failure and proof that they only want you when you’re young and hot.
I just know A24 is kicking and screaming knowing that a MUBI movie has been recognized by the Academy after already having to deal with Peacock’s exclusive streaming of “Conclave” and Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez.” We love to see underdogs fight their way to the top among the big dogs. Except Emilia Pérez. Get back in your crate.
This movie is vile and repulsive and completely over the top, and yet somehow, the most disgusting scene of all was Dennis Quaid
Coralie Fargeat has been nominated for Best Director, and I think it’s a tie between either her or Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”) The sound design, the visuals, the unique camera angles, the gorgeous set design, the stunning yet horrifying musical scores, the acting, the costume design. This movie truly has it all and would be monumental if it won Best Picture, as horror movies are rarely given so much praise in such eloquent settings such as the Academy Awards. It’s not going to win Best Picture, but the fact that it was even nominated with how graphic and disturbing the content is, is still a huge achievement for horror fans. I highly recommend Coralie’s other brilliant creation called, “Revenge” (2017), if you loved the gore in “The Substance.” Coralie has mastered showcasing the horrors women go through without them being exploitative and is the blueprint for how all rape plot devices
I need you guys to know that I tried watching this movie three separate times and turned it off each time and then finally finished it yesterday only by watching it at 2x speed.
This movie is a joke. There were countless scenes where my jaw was on the floor because I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that this movie has more Oscar nominations than “Pulp Fiction,” “Parasite” and “The Godfather,” just to name a few. I am not one to feed into conspiracies about things being rigged. But first, Beyoncé wins Country Album of the Year (?!) and now Emilia Pérez has been nominated for 13 (!!!) Oscars? Yeah, I’m calling bullshit.
This is one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. The acting is trash, the songs are trash, the plot is trash, the characters are trash. You could show me a dumpster and one of Emilia Pérez next to it, and I would identify this movie as being closer to trash than the dumpster.
For a quick recap, this movie is about a Mexican cartel drug lord who wants to restart his life to repent for his past by becoming transgender to start living her new life. *Slams hand down on extremely loud and incorrect buzzer* Right off the bat, a heinous start. Deciding to transition into your preferred gender is not a moral decision. It is something that has been a thing you have innately known about yourself most of your life. Yet, in this goofy ass movie, it’s presented like Emilia is choosing this to cleanse herself of the man she was. Changing your gender doesn’t change the fact that you’re a shitty person!
God, this movie is pure nightmare fuel for the Leftists. This is exactly what Donald Trump thinks is gonna happen by allowing foreigners into our country. Sigh. It is so upsetting to see this ridiculous, offensive, inaccurate movie being praised so highly when most all netizens see this for what it really is: a cisgendered mockery of what they think it means to be trans. There is literally a scene where one of Emilia’s children says Emilia “smells like a man.” ?? This feels like cis people desperately trying to prove they aren’t transphobic by brown-nosing the hell out of the LGBTQIA+ community, and most trans people have openly rejected this film and regarded it as a major setback for the community. It’s like when J.K. Rowling decided to make Dumbledore gay to amend for her past homophobic comments. Like, girl… that’s not what we meant but OK.
I think we are all aware of “La Vaginoplastia” and how there are lyrics that literally read “Man to woman. Woman to man. From penis to vaginnaaaaaaa…” and that is not even the worst song in this movie. How is it possible that every single actor can’t sing? That’s step number one when creating a musical — make sure everyone can sing! No, not even Selena Gomez sounds good here.
I am certain that the director, Jacques Audiard, had never met a trans person until casting Karla Sofía Gascón.
Speaking of Gascón, she has been nominated for Best Actress, and if she wins that would be historic as she would be the first openly trans person to ever win an Academy Award. I would support her 100% if she was a good actress. And a good person. However, neither of these are true. Soon after the movie’s release, tweets resurfaced from Gascón where she made a plethora of racist remarks about Muslims, called George Floyd a “drug addict swindler,” and during 2020 tweeted, “The Chinese vaccine [comes] with two spring rolls [and] a cat that moves its hand,” and refers to COVID-19 as “this Chinese shit.” So, there went Netflix’s chance at winning Best Picture. And Gascón’s shot at Best Actress. I’m curious to see how the rest will play out… And if you think I’m being overly-critical, on Letterboxd you have to scroll through 50 bad reviews before you get to a four-star review where someone genuinely enjoyed it. And Letterboxd reviews are organized from most to least popular so those 50 reviews each have thousands of likes with people agreeing. Barring the five-star review I came across that says “Dogsh*t movie. F*cking awful.”
Do I think “Emilia Pérez” deserves to win any Academy Awards? No. But do I think it is going to win most of them anyway? Honestly, before Gascón’s controversial past was uncovered, which, mind you, these are tweets from only a couple of years ago (2020 and 2021) I would’ve said yes, Emilia Pérez will be dominating each category. But in light of this new information, off-screen, I’m not exactly sure where this places the film. I still, sadly, think it’s likely to win Best Supporting Actress, Best International Feature Film and Best Original Score.
0.5/5
Thanks for reading! See you next time .
Emilia Perez (2.1/5
THROUGH MARCH 2
“The Trojan Women” Flagler College–Lewis Auditorium flagler.edu
THROUGH MARCH 9
“Mean Girls” (teen version)
Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
“Funny Girl” Players by the Sea playersbythesea.org
THROUGH MARCH 16
“The Drowsy Chaperone” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org
THROUGH MARCH 30
“West Side Story” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
MARCH 2
“The NIghthawks” Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach ameliacommunitytheatre.org
“Six” (teen version)
The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
MARCH 3
The Papas and the Mamas Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
MARCH 3-20
“Oklahoma!”
Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org
MARCH 7
JAMS 2025 Short Film Festival
Jacksonville Arts and Music School eventbrite.com
MARCH 7-16
“Good People” The Waterworks aclassictheatre.org
MARCH 7-22
“Ride the Cyclone”
The 5 & Dime the5anddime.org
MARCH 9
“Swan Lake” Ballet Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.com
MARCH 11
MOMIX: “Alice” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 14
“Alice in Wonderland” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
MARCH 16
Amelia Island Dance Series
Women’s Club of Fernandina Beach crescendoamelia.com
MARCH 17
Tusk
Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
MARCH 23
Countess Cabaret with Luann de Lesseps Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 24
Broadway and Brew SJ Brewing Company, Yulee bluefiretheatre.org
MARCH 28-29
March Melodrama Dinner Theatre
Blue Fire Theatre, Yulee bluefiretheatre.org
JAX’S COMEDY EVOLUTION
Jacksonville may not exactly be New York City when it comes to a vibrant entertainment scene, but the River City has been growing by leaps and bounds, especially when it comes to comedy.
For decades, the city’s focus when it came to entertainment was typically music. However, comedy has had a long-standing relationship with comedians, dating back to the early 1900s.
Pat Chapelle, a Jacksonville native, had a traveling group with a talented roster of African- American performers called The Rabbit’s Foot Company. In 1901, the company was led by Arthur “Happy’ Howe, one of the group’s leading comedic acts.
Howe was joined by fellow comedians Charles “Cuba” Santana and a dynamic comedic duo known as Butterbeans and Susie. Though the group was originally formed to be just musicians, it was these pioneering individuals who first brought the art of comedy to Jacksonville and contributed in showcasing Jacksonville’s talented comics throughout their performances.
As comedy continued its rise, it needed a place for comedians to be able to come together and tell their jokes. Enter the Comedy Zone. Since its opening in 1991, the city’s largest and longest operating comedy club has become the cornerstone for the comedy scene in Jacksonville.
Becoming the city’s premier comedy club is a heavy title in its own right, but continuing the legacy from decade to decade is the true accomplishment. Leah Washburn, who has been the operations manager at Comedy Zone for nearly a decade, spoke of just how popular the club has become in attracting names well-known to Jacksonville like Eddie Griffin, Bob Saget, Steve Harvey, Ralphie May, Chelsea Handler, to name a few. “I mean, I have Ron White, Chris Tucker, Howie Mandel and T.I,” she added. To be able to attract the level of comedians Comedy Zone does speaks volumes about the room and the management. It also means the next generation of comedian star power now have a reason to stop in Jacksonville — and maybe even be discovered.
For comedy in Jacksonville to grow, it needed to elevate itself to attract not only up and coming talents but established comedians (either on their way up … or their way back down), individuals who stand on stage with just a microphone and cause a room full of strangers to join in a communal moment of laughter.
Danny Johnson is one of those people. A stand-up comic since 1998, the Jacksonville native is perhaps best known for his Dry Bar Comedy Special and hosting a podcast with other comedians. He, for one, has been able to witness just how much Jacksonville’s comedy landscape has changed over the years.
Danny Johnson
“From when I first started to now, there are a ton more venues that are having comedy nights than when I started,” said Johnson.
From the beginning, he was able to witness the humble beginnings of Jacksonville’s comedy scene.
“There was a room in St.Augustine called the Gypsy Cab Company and then maybe a few open mics here and there, but now there’s something new every other night somewhere in Jacksonville,” Johnson added.
The more Jacksonville embraced comedy, the more brave souls took their chances taking the stage for the first time. A lawyer by day, Mike Freed is also a local comedian who’s performed his fair share of shows since 2016. To him comedy is an opportunity that continues to grow for those who love it.
“Though comedy can seem unrehearsed, the best comedians are the ones who spend a lot of time quietly writing their jokes until they’re really tight and then get as much stage opportunity as they can,” said Freed.
Mike Freed
In 2018, Daisy Tackett found herself being one to join those who look to bring laughter to those here within the city. And as a five-time winner of “Best Local Comedian” in the “Folio” Best of Jax issue, she knows the ins and outs of performing in Jacksonville. As her reputation continued to grow, she saw why comedy in Jacksonville has forged its own identity and why it’s important to keep it going.
The most important thing about it is the sense of community in making people laugh,” she said.
Along the way, Tackett has been able to gain perspective not only the potential that the culture of comedy holds in Jacksonville but the flaws that can be improved upon.
“There’s not a lot of women that are getting booked on shows, and I want more women to showcase the local talent,” Tackett said.
In highlighting this, she expressed how Jacksonville may be changing in comedy, but it will only continue to get better as it has certain goals and barriers still in need of being broken.
Comedians are emerging more throughout the city and a lot more are even specifically traveling to Jacksonville to perform. With the city constantly growing, its demand for diverse entertainment continues to increase.
And we could all use a good laugh right about now.
Daisy Tackett
MARCH 1
Matteo Lane Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 9
Lance Weiss Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
COMEDY
Tacarra Williams Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
Secret Stand-Up Show (21+ only), 11:59 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MARCH 5
AJ Wilkerson Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
Steve Hofstetter
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 6
Larry the Cable Guy Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
MARCH 6-8
Adam Ferrara Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MARCH 7
Lewis Black Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 7-8
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MARCH 8
Shane Gillis
Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MARCH 12
Best of Jax Comedy Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MARCH 13
Howie Mandel Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
River City Comedy Showcase Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
MARCH 13-15
TK Kirkland Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MARCH 14
Don’t Tell Comedy
Somewhere in Riverside (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell you) donttellcomedy.com
River City Comedy Showcase Burlock and Barrel eventbrite.com
MARCH 14-15
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MARCH 15
Ian Bagg Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Desi Banks Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Don McMillan
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Danny Johnson & Friends
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
Next Stop Comedy Ancient City Brewing, St. Augustine eventbrite.com
MARCH 16
“Girls Gone Bible” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Damon Darling Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MARCH
comedyzone.com
MARCH 20
Ed Larson Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MARCH
MARCH
MARCH 27-29
Chico
MARCH 28-29
First
Words by Carmen Macri
Sex and the bold city
A few days ago, our office lunch took an unexpected turn when a coworker — freshly single — shared her attempt at diving back into the Jacksonville dating scene via the usual suspects: Hinge, Tinder, Bumble, etc. Her verdict? The dating pool wasn’t just shallow; it was practically a dried-up puddle. Naturally, as a group of women (plus our token male coworker for balance), we had to analyze why dating apps make things look so bleak. The answer was sitting right there in her Notes app — a list titled “Profile Red Flags” with a running tally of instant left-swipe offenses.
This then led to a full group discussion on our own instant swipe-left triggers. And, again, as a group of women (plus our token male), one unanimous dealbreaker stood out: photos of dead animals. Whether it’s a deer, a hog, a duck or some poor unexpecting fish, we don’t need to see it. Save those for the group chat with your buddies — not your future girlfriend. Because honestly, aside from a rare few — and I do mean rare few, what woman looks at a photo of you proudly holding a giant, bloody fish and thinks, Wow, that’s so attractive?
All that being said, I figured why not give my own unsolicited critiques? Have a real Carrie Bradshaw moment? Sex and the Bold City, if you will.
And just like that (get it?), I found myself wondering when will men ever turn to appeal to the female gaze.
Pinterest post by Kylee Jordan
It’s really not that complicated. There’s the version of a man before a relationship, and then there’s the version during a relationship — and somehow, they’re two completely different people. (I know this firsthand.) So why can’t men recognize that and put in the effort before they’re in a relationship? If they did, chances are, they wouldn’t be spending so much time endlessly swiping. Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself, the purpose of the article is to showcase the many red flags women look out for when window shopping, so let’s get into that — and remember, I am doing this to help you.
I will lump these into categories for the sake of saving space, for starters, let’s talk about the first photo. The opener. The photo that will either keep you in the running or damn you to an eternity of left swipes. Aside from the previously mentioned fish photo, here are a few things to avoid:
The Dreaded Selfie
The thought of a man pulling out his phone, snapping a photo of himself smoldering into the camera, and thinking “Yeah, this is a good one” then proceeding to post it sends literal chills down my spine. Bonus points for using any sort of Snapchat filter or only showing half of your face in the shot. What are you trying to hide? There are a few exceptions to the no-selfie rule — like if there’s a living, breathing animal in the shot or if the selfie is intentionally silly. Girls love funny guys.
Mirror Pics
Mirror pics are for the girls and the girls only. What are you doing trying to stunt in your grandmother’s bathroom with the toilet in full view? Oh, you went to the gym? Thank God you documented it for the hundreds of unsuspecting women on the app. Look, if you want to show off your physique, by all means — go for it. Just maybe do it with a little finesse? A beach pic? A hiking shot? Literally anything besides flexing so hard in the Planet Fitness weight section that your forehead vein looks like it’s fighting for its life. Someone sound the Lunk Alarm.
Group Photos
A group photo on your profile is a solid move — it proves you have friends and, more importantly, gives us a chance to scope out if any of them are cuter (strictly for our friends, of course). Having a group shot as your first photo though is a risky move. First, how are we supposed to know which one is you? And second, what if we’re secretly hoping you’re the tall, dark and handsome one — only to find out you’re actually the short king in the back? Extra points if all of your photos are group photos. I am not an FBI agent. I am not going to compare and contrast each photo to see who is the repeat offender. We don’t want to work that hard for a mediocre date.
Skinny Jeans
I feel like this goes without saying, but for the sake of the story, I’ll spell it out: two words—jail time. Your pants should not be tighter than mine. I should not be able to gauge the circumference of your ankles at first glance. Skinny jeans are a crime against humanity — on men and women alike (sorry, millennials). No exceptions. If your first photo features you proudly sporting acid wash skinny jeans, I’m closing the app, taking seven seconds of silence and launching my phone across the room. Hope you’re ready to cover my replacement.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’ve survived the first photo test, and now we’re diving into the real substance of the profile — your prompts, dating preferences and the rest of your carefully curated photo selection. This is where things get interesting. The number of times I liked what I saw until I got to the halfway mark and had to inevitably swipe left. You’re not having fun? Yeah, well neither are we.
The Prompts
“How I fight the Sunday scaries… A cold beer.” Yawn. Snooze. Next.
Listen, I want to hear how you’re clawing your way back to life after a Saturday night that left you questioning your choices. Give me the gritty details—are you mainlining Pedialyte? Eating an entire loaf of bread in bed? Bargaining with a higher power to never take another shot of tequila? That’s what I want to know. This is your moment to shine, to let that sparkling personality do some heavy lifting. A cold beer? Groundbreaking. Never been done before. Instead, hit me with something fun—like, I don’t know, “Being berated by a stunning woman?” Now we’re talking. I am a stunning woman, and I would love to berate you. Voice memos—much like selfies—should be reserved exclusively for jokes. If you’re using one to earnestly answer a prompt, just know there’s a 100% chance it’s getting screen-recorded and sent to a group chat where you will be relentlessly clowned. Not a single soul is listening to a 27-second monologue about your “ideal Sunday.” Now, if you want to use a voice memo correctly? Take notes. A+ execution would be responding to the “How to pronounce my name” prompt when your name is Ben. Or Rob. Or literally anything that no one has ever struggled to pronounce in the history of language. That’s the kind of energy we respect.
Dating Preferences
This one is tricky because of course, we love honesty, but if you are at the ripe age of 35 and have your dating preference set to “still figuring it out” or “looking for a short-term relationship.” Buddy, your hairline is not waiting around for you to “figure it out.” The clock is ticking.
Other Photos
Unless it’s blatantly obvious that the woman in the photo is your mom or your identical twin, let’s skip the pics with other girls (group shots excluded). Are we just supposed to assume that’s your cousin? Your sister? Because in our minds, she’s either an ex… or worse—a “girl best friend.” And before anyone gets defensive, yes, men and women can be just friends, but if she’s prettier than me, I can only assume you’re secretly in love with her, she friendzoned you and you’ve been playing the long game ever since. If you have a non-person photo, the only exception is if it’s a very alive furry friend or a unique place you’ve traveled to. If you have a photo of a beat-up, tinted-out Nissan Altima… I just audibly sighed. We don’t need to see your ride. This isn’t MTV. If you are wearing either a hat or sunglasses in every single one of your photos, we can only assume you are an undercover hatfish. And no, I will not go into further detail. Connect the dots on your own.
Let me just throw in a quick disclaimer — this is purely based on the opinions of me and my very single, very cynical friends. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and what doesn’t work for us, may be someone else’s bread and butter. I’m only offering my unsolicited critiques because, well… technically, it’s my job.
Hope this helps!
The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org
Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org
FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org
First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org
Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu
Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu
Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com
Gallery 725 gallery725.com
Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu
Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com
Hillary Whitaker Gallery hwhitakergallery.com
Jacksonville Main Library tacjacksonville.org
Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa
The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org
MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu
PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com
Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com
Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com
St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org
Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com
Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org
Touché Gallery touchegallery.com
University of North Florida unf.edu/gallery
The Vault at 330 thevaultat1930.com
Yellow House yellowhouseart.org
ONGOING Art Walk
Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org
Fernandina Beach Arts Market
Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com
Riverside Arts Market
Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday — rain or shine — from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com
St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk
On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. staaa.org
Vilano Beach Artisan Market
Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road. facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial
Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.
Your Junk, Your Treasure
The environmentally friendly hobby — junk journaling
When my lease ended last year and I was cleaning out my nightstand draw ers, I came to a horrifying realization: I’m a hoarder. Hoarder probably isn’t the best word for it as that is a very serious medical condition, but the things I held onto had no reason being held on to — receipts, paper bags, tissue paper, fortune cookie messages, old birthday cards, concert wristbands and a whole lotta sticky notes.
The worst part was that I couldn’t part with these seemingly unimportant objects. No sane person should be attached to an expired MetroCard I got on my trip to the Big Apple two years ago. And yet there I was, in a puddle of junk trying to part with a poem written on a paper napkin when I came across a TikTok video “Junk Journal With Me!”
Junk journaling is a new form of journaling taking the internet by storm and is a new hobby targeted to those (i.e., me) who hold on to “junk.” It’s a sim ple practice and one that is also serendipitously better for the environment. Much like regular journaling, junk journaling is a way to archive your life through grocery receipts that tell a story and a way to put your junk to good use. So, if you’re wondering on how you can lower your carbon footprint and are searching for a new way to kill some time, let me take you through the consuming art of junk journaling.
First things first — and I think this goes without saying — you need a journal. Any journal will do, but ideally, it’s one you’re not too attached to, as you’ll be filling it with trash… I mean, junk (if that sounds any better).
Next, gather your junk. And by junk, I mean anything flat enough to stick on a page. Candy wrappers, fruit stickers, postal labels, postcards, ripped-up packaging, matchbooks—you name it. You’ll also want some adhesive (tape or glue) and a pair of scissors for cutting down thicker materials.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together in your journal. Let creativity take the lead, and don’t expect your first few spreads to look like those you may find on Pinterest. That said, you can add some organization if you’d like. Much like dating a diary entry, you can use a receipt, a handwritten note, or any printed material to mark the date. From there, let the rest of the page flow, using visuals to document your day instead of words. But remember — this is your junk journal. There are no rules, just the freedom to create however you see fit.
Whether you’re preserving memories, unleashing creativity or simply embracing the beauty of imperfection, junk journaling is a reminder that every scrap has a story to tell. So gather your bits and pieces, and let the pages unfold!
The Day The Music Died
The life of Eric Leffler (aka DJ E.L.)
1978-2025
Typically, when an artist passes, there’s a surge of admiration — people suddenly share how much they loved them and their music. But for Eric Leffler, DJ E.L., that wasn’t the case. He didn’t have to wait until after he was gone to feel the love. Jacksonville made sure he knew it every single day.
Since Leffler’s unexpected passing on Feb.10, the community has felt a deep void. Friends and family have turned to Facebook and other social media platforms to share the impact he had on their lives. Leffler’s career was nothing short of remarkable, but he was more than just a local DJ. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a partner, an inspiration and a driving force in Jacksonville’s music scene. Since his passing, one thing has echoed across the community — who he was beyond the stage mattered just as much as the music he played. One common thread runs through every tribute — his infectious joy — for that was Leffler’s biggest mission in life … to spread joy through heartfelt connections and spinning tracks that broke any barriers.
107.3 Planet Radio shared a heartfelt tribute to Leffler, saying “He had a gift for creating unforgettable moments and spreading joy wherever he went. He transformed every event into a celebration. We’re celebrating his legacy and keeping the music alive in honor of him. Thank you, DJ E.L., for all the amazing memories. The party will never be the same, but your rhythm will always play on in our hearts.”
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Leffler always dreamed of moving to Florida and making his mark as a DJ. That dream didn’t just come true — it took off. He became Jacksonville’s No. 1 DJ, captivating audiences everywhere he went. From hosting on 107.3 Planet Radio to spinning at NASCAR events, Caddyshack with Bill Murray and Welcome to Rockville, Leffler had a rare gift. The moment his hands touched the board, the crowd felt it — his energy, his passion, his undeniable talent.
DJ “E.L.” was no stranger to us here at “Folio” either. “Folio” owner and attorney John M. Phillips recalled him fondly. “Eric was the soundtrack of much of our lives. With that smile and constant call for oneness,” he recalled. “When Jordan Davis died in 2012, Eric Leffler helped us TURN UP for Jordan. When we celebrated, he was the soundtrack. Every Florida /Georgia. Every Christmas party. Caddyshack. On and on. It was always DJ E.L. He was always positive and brought people together, sometimes hiding his own problems and down days in order to bring happiness to others.”
As a resident DJ for some of the city’s biggest events, he was a staple of the game day experience. In Jacksonville, tailgating isn’t just a pregame ritual — it’s a full-blown event and if you wanted to be at the best tailgate or Block Party you knew to follow the music straight to where DJ E.L. was on the decks. His beats set the vibe during any gathering to an unforgettable party.
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena shared the following: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Block Party DJ and radio host Eric Leffler. We are truly grateful for the cherished memories he created and the contagious energy he infused into our concerts. You will be missed! Thank you for everything, DJ E.L.!”
Top: Leffler at the DJ booth with Bill Murray at Caddyshack planning a set list
Bottom: DJ E.L. on the mixing board
One of his proudest moments was when he got a last-minute gig to open for Jane’s Addiction at Daily’s Place in 2024. “Folio” general manager, Teresa Spencer, got a call from him that afternoon. Excitedly, he said, “Are you going to the Jane’s Addiction show tonight? Guess who’s opening for them? Let me give you a hint… Got my BIG BOY pants on today!” He was thrilled, and so was Spencer — along with so many of his fans. We even considered featuring him in a future issue to highlight the incredible strides he was making as a professional DJ. We always knew this was just the beginning. With his talent and ability to electrify a crowd, it was only a matter of time before he landed big gigs like this — and many more to come.
A few weeks later he posted about his experience on his social media “Still in awe, that I got to play the same stage as one of my favorite bands on their final tour. Thank You Live Nation Concerts, Jane’s Addiction, Love & Rockets, Daily’s Place. Never know where the thing you choose will take you!”
Leffler’s talent traveled throughout Jacksonville, from the crowds Downtown to those at the beaches. One of his staple sets was at Lynch’s Irish Pub, and for some, this is where they fell in love with Leffler’s infectious energy. Patrons and staff alike recall the many late nights they spent with Leffler, claiming them to be some of the best nights. And that is a sentiment shared through hundreds of friends and fans.
DJ E.L. at the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 Daytona
Lynch’s had this to say after hearing about Leffler’s passing, “Rest in peace to DJ E.L., a true Jacksonville legend. The pub won’t be the same without you behind the decks, dropping the best beats and making the whole place move. We’ll forever miss hearing you shout, ‘Somebody scream!’ and the way you brought the energy every night you played. Your music and spirit will live on in all of us. Fly high, E.L..”
While Leffler took the big stages by storm, he was also loyal to performing at more intimate events like weddings and charity events.
Friend Andrea Smith shared, “I am shocked to see this. Not only was he the DJ in my wedding, but I chose him because he was my friend. At 19, Eric coached me up and told me how to make a demo tape on my first radio job at Clear Channel. He encouraged me to not be intimidated even though I was so young. Then Eric was our top pick for Plush and Rain nightclub with our kittens Friday nights back in the day. I’m sick and saddened to see this today, and if by chance you are sharing these messages with him / his family - I pray to God, they all know what an impact he had on so many. It’s the love of music and love of Eric Leffler.”
Tu-Anh Pham Grabenkort also booked DJ EL for their wedding. “I’m so sorry to hear this. DJ EL was a huge hit as our wedding DJ - creating memories that will last a lifetime. We love you EL and will be thinking of you, Katie.”
The list goes on and on with friends, family and fans sharing their memories of Leffler, each more heartfelt than the last.
Vic Micolucci
I can’t believe this. E.L. brings the party and is so great at hyping everyone up. Praying for peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time.
Jordan Taylor
Nothing could have prepared me for seeing this post and the sad update it held. Eric was an awesome person, DJ, friend and downright entertainer that loved to smile and made everyone within his presence feel the music and come to life. I’m so sorry to be reading this and that his life will be cut short. Instead of focusing on the grim update, let’s focus on the massive impact this fella had on so many of us in Jacksonville and surrounding cities, and heck even countries. I wish you peace and pain free in your final days, Eric. Godspeed my friend!
P.S. I know the place you end up will have golden turntables for you to spin on eternally.
Josh Lachut
This is tough…I can’t even put into words how I am feeling right now! Jacksonville will never have another DJ E.L.! That dude and I had so many good times back in the day! And he always shouted me out and had a hug for me! This is a sad day for Jacksonville and people that called him Family!
Amanda Elie
I’m so incredibly heartbroken to hear this. DJ E.L. Eric Leffler was always a bright light, bringing energy, joy and unforgettable moments to so many of us. Whether he was behind the decks or just sharing his infectious positivity, he had a way of making every night feel special. I’m so grateful for the memories and the way he made every event feel like the best one yet. Sending so much love to him, his family, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Alexis Cannaday Maxwell
So heartbroken for us all. I have been at such a loss for words this past week. The only thing I can do is cry in disbelief. I am so incredibly proud of him and the way he spent every minute of his life doing what he loved and always intended to do with his life from the time we were young young kids and we would turn our grandma’s kitchen into a nightclub, and he was the DJ. To know him is to love him. Our lives will never be the same. I’m still praying for a miracle.
Katie Gerstmyer (Leffler’s life partner)
Please keep him in your thoughts and one day, we will all see him spin again and yell “SOCIAL” or “SOMEBODY SCREAM” and it will take us all back to the greatest nights of our lives with him. Thank you to everyone who supported him throughout his amazing career. “My nerves are turned on. I hear them like musical instruments. Where there was silence, the drums, the strings are incurably playing. You did this.
Pure genius at work. “Darling, the composer has stepped into fire.”
-Anne Sexton “The Kiss”
Scott Gaylord
Thank you so much for sharing your light, your love and your passion with us, Eric Leffler!! I started DJing with Eric around the time he was about to embark on his cruise ship career. Fast forward almost 30 years and I just played on my first cruise ship. Ironic. You have been such a positive influence in my life, and I thank you from the depths of my being. If you hadn’t created a pathway of success for yourself, I probably wouldn’t have gone back to the craft after taking a 3-4 year break. You were a big part of that because of one conversation we had, and you were so fired up that I had to get back out there that it made an everlasting impact on me. I never told you that but I thank you so much brother.
In the past 6 months I have played at shows with my idols, played on an international festival Groove Cruise lineup and have plans to do even more in the future. Your passion will never die out, my friend. We will carry the torch from here. Rest easy. The people that know you and love you will continue to share your life, your story and your passion. I am sorry this has happened but I am privileged to know you. And I will always remember ……. Love you
Krystopher Salas Ramos
It’s beautiful to see that he created a community of people and we all connect in some way. He was loved and respected by so many !!!! He’s throwing a hell of a block party upstairs.
No matter where he played, Leffler had a signature moment — grabbing the mic and shouting, “SOMEBODY SCREAM!” It didn’t matter if it was a packed club or a small gathering; that energy was his trademark. And while he has taken his final bow, that spirit lives on in the voices of those who loved him. His legacy isn’t just in the music he played, but in the memories, the moments and the people who will always hear his voice in their hearts, urging them to scream one more time.
A plug-and-play party will honor the legendary RKSTRDJ “DJ EL” with live performances by local artists on March 6 from 4-9 p.m. at Lynch’s Irish Pub.
A celebration of his life will also be held on March from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an open house at the family home, 223 South Butler Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana.
“MAYHEM”
NEW MUSIC RELEASES
Made For You By
Amiyah Golden
Pop queen Lady Gaga has announced “Mayhem” and fans (me included) are buzzing with excitement at her return.
This comes after the release of her single “Abracadabra” that will be featured on the album, along with her hit song “Die With A Smile” featuring Bruno Mars.
U.K. singer-songwriter James Arthur, best known for his hit songs “Say You Won’t Let Go” and “Train Wreck,” will release his sixth album, “Pisces,” this month.
According to “Melodic Magazine,” the new album is”softer and far more atmospheric” than past projects and “his most personal to date.” Vulnerability is what fans can expect to hear with “Pisces.”
“For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women)” is the fourth album from indie band Japanese Breakfast (a personal favorite of mine.)
According to Bandcamp, this album explores “the plight of Icarus and other such condemned ones [lending] Melancholy Brunettes its most persistent theme, the perils of desire.”
With “sadness” quoted as an impactful element for this album, lead vocalist Michelle Zauner “finds space enough inside it for glimmers of hope. They are the consolations of mortals that poets before her have called out to and that poets after will continue to rediscover.”
LADY GAGA
JAMES ARTHUR
“I
SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST”
This newly engaged pair are releasing their first joint record, “I Said I Love You First,” this month.
“The album celebrates the pair’s love story, giving fans a unique window into their relationship,” according to Gomez’s website. “This album came together organically as a direct result of the comfort that they both felt when working together creatively, allowing them to produce art that authentically reflects their experiences. It chronicles their entire story — before they met, falling in love, and looking to what the future holds.”
Member of the indie band, Boygenius, Dacus continues to chase her solo aspirations with her upcoming album, “Forever Is a Feeling.”
The other members of the trio, Julian Baker and Phoebe Bridgers are still close by as they are featured on the project along with Hozier, Blake Mills, Jake Finch, and more.
“FOREVER IS A FEELING”
SELENA GOMEZ & BENNY BLANCO
Known best for their hit song, “I Will Wait,” the popular folk band has announced the release of, “Rushmere” their newest album, co-produced with Dave Cobb.
Mumford and Sons will also be touring with intimate-style shows in support of the album.
LUCY DACUS
Michael Alden Hadreas, better known by his stage name Perfume Genius, releases his 11-track album, “Glory.”
“I wake up overwhelmed even when nothing is going on. I spend the rest of the day trying to regulate, which I prefer to do at home with my thoughts.” Hadreas shares via a press release. “But why? They are mostly bad. They also haven’t really changed for decades.”
I can personally attest to the artistry and vulnerability that Hadreas produces as he navigates topics including love, his sexuality, domestic violence and his battle with Crohn’s disease.
“GLORY”
This has fans of the Nigerian artist amped up, as they’ve been waiting two years since the release of his last album, “Timeless.” “5IVE”
PERFUME GENIUS
“5ive” is the latest album from Afrobeats artist Davido.
CONCERTS
MARCH 1
Barely Dead
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 2
Neil Diamond Celebration: I Am... He Said Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 3
Bright Eyes Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
One Night in Memphis Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
MARCH 4
Voctave Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Shovels and Rope w/James Felice Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
MARCH 5
Zach Top Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
TESLA Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Tony Lucca & Keaton Simons Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Righteous Brothers
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
MARCH 6
Brett Young Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Stayin’ Alive
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
Common Man w/Amick Cutler
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Penny Lane: All-Girl Beatles Tribute Band
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 7
Pauly D Decca Live deccalive.com
Dan Mangan with Jordan Burchel Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Deya/Summer Frost/Cassidy McCartney
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhillthetare.com
MARCH 7-8
Beethoven’s “Emperor”
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
Beatles vs. Stones
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Il Volo
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
MARCH 8
Gladys Knight Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
The Beach Boys St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
The Magic of Motown
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Natural Life Music Festival Seawalk Pavilion naturallifemusicfestival.com
Hulvey Decca Live deccalive.com
Paleface & Rambler Kane
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
MARCH 8-9
Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville: Civil War to Civil Rights
Jacksonville Main Public Library 904tix.com
MARCH 9
GloRilla Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen Friday Musicale candlelightexperience.com
Candlelight: Sounds of Cuba: Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan & More Friday Musicale candlelightexperience.com
Ellis Paul
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 11
Fruition w/ Daniel Rodriguez Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
MARCH 12
Get The Led Out Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MARCH 13
Matteo Bocelli Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Symphony in 60: Adelya & Aurica Play Bach
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
KAPO Decca Live deccalive.com
moe. Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
Bywater Call
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach
originalcafe11.com
MARCH 14
ZZ Top St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Newsboys
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
The Machine: Pink Floyd Tribute Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Seth Walker
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
TLOG Father and Son Tour
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
On-Shore Winds Woodwind Ensemble St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 904tix.com
MARCH 15
A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet ft. The Coral Reefer Band Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
Joe Bonamassa
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Walker & Royce Decca Live deccalive.com
MARCH 16
Foreigner
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Splish Splash: The Music of Bobby Darin Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
MARCH 18
Diana Ross
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Steve Poltz
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 20
Tracy Lawrence
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Dan Rodriguez
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Jimmy Vivino
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 21
Josh Meloy Decca Live deccalive.com
Cody Webb
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Parker Barrow
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 21-22
Gershwin & Berlin
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
MARCH 21-23
Widespread Panic
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
MARCH 22
Gary Allan
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
The Irish Tenors
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Sidepiece Decca Live deccalive.com
Kaliyl/Dry Bones/Jacob Adam Davis & The Tyler Smith Band
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Victor Wainwright & The Train
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 23
Florida Chamber Music Project: Cooper & Brahms Beaches Museum Chapel 904tix.com
Josey Scott Decca Live deccalive.com
Rock This Town
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 24
Keb’ Mo’ & Shawn Colvin
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Billy Price
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 25
Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Show
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 26
Billy Joel Legends Live! Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Jennifer Knapp
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 27
Little River Band
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
BossMan Dlow FIVE fivejax.com
Rikjam & Dalwayne
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 28
The Steeldrivers Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
“Feelin’ Good” The Ultimate Michael Bublé Experience
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.com
Nighttrain: The Guns N’ Roses Tribute Experience
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 29
Take 6
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
The Jacob Jolliff Band Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
Youth Group Tour
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Exhaustra
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 30
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
Kristy Lee
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach originalcafe11.com
MARCH 31
Turn to Stone: ELO Tribute Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org
Words by Ambar Ramirez
Interview by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
COOL, CHAOTIC AND ALL OVER THE PLACE: THE STEWS
“We were playing at Front Yard and someone yelled, ‘What’s the song called?’ and Wyatt was just like ‘Chicken Fight’!” The Stews lead singer and guitarist Preston Hall shared.
“I just pulled that out of thin air because the feeling was like, this song is kind of all over the place, but in a cool, creative way. We felt like the whole album was kind of like that. There were moments of chaos, but also some psychedelia and chill moments and I think it just kind of encapsulated the whole album,” drummer Wyatt Griffith added.
Two things can be true at once, and for The Stews (not to be confused with The Strokes) that means crafting a sound that’s both familiar and unpredictable. Hall and Griffith, joined by bass player Bennett Baugus and guitarist Blake Dobbs refuse to be confined by a single genre. This pandemic baby band blends rock, indie and jam, taking influences from some of the greats like The Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.
Since dropping their 2022 debut album, “What Was” this Alabama-based group has been on a relentless rise—selling out shows, constantly writing and releasing new music. And now, with their 2024 album, “Chicken Fight,” The Stews are back on the road again, bringing their ever-evolving sound to packed shows across the country.
Two things can be true at once, and for The Stews (not to be confused with The Strokes) that means crafting a sound that’s both familiar and unpredictable. Hall and Griffith, joined by bass player Bennett Baugus and guitarist Blake Dobbs refuse to be confined by a single genre. This pandemic baby band blends rock, indie and jam, taking influences from some of the greats like The Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.
Since dropping their 2022 debut album, “What Was” this Alabama-based group has been on a relentless rise—selling out shows, constantly writing and releasing new music. And now, with their 2024 album, “Chicken Fight,” The Stews are back on the road again, bringing their ever-evolving sound to packed shows across the country.
Though still relatively new to the music scene, The Stews have learned a lot since breaking through. And they’ve come a long way from their first album, honing a sound that’s grown richer, tighter and more dynamic.
“We went into record that first EP with, like, knowing nothing about recording music, absolutely nothing. We went in and recorded that EP in three days, and we were even shocked that we could book time at the studio that we did, which is a pretty renowned studio in Muscle Shoals, Fame Studios. We definitely developed a lot of knowledge of in-studio things that work and don’t and also our songs are shorter now… that’s a big thing,” Griffith said. “We had a producer and an engineer in there, but it wasn’t from the record company, and we had a producer telling us how our songs were supposed to go. So we learned a lot by trial and error. And I feel like we learned so much each day in the studio, of being able to make some quote-unquote mistakes. But yeah, it’s grown a lot sonically,” Hall added.
And while their diverse sound reflects their personal tastes, they credit much of their evolution to finding the right recording studio and producer.
“The first album and the original EP were in the same studio and then ‘Chicken Fight’ was at a studio in Charleston. The big difference was that in Fame Studios we were working with a guy that produced pop songs. He was a great guy, but he didn’t even, like Preston was saying earlier, he didn’t know anything about us and it was kind of a shot in the dark,” Griffith said. “But then the guy in Charleston we’d heard a lot about, he’d seen us live, and we had liked the bands he’d worked with and everything, so it made more sense. But I think there’s still a lot of room for growth in the studio. We still haven’t figured it out per se, but that’s what makes it exciting.”
The Stews have outgrown their “college-band” label, trading hometown parties for major venues like Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club, Charleston’s Windjammer and New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. Their rapid rise continues this year, with a show alongside Fernandina’s own Flipturn this April and a stop at Jacksonville’s Underbelly on March 7. The Stews have a little bit of flavor for everyone, regardless of your music taste.
Photo by Garrett Cardoso // @garrett.cardoso
GET TO KNOW THE BAND
Carmen: If your music was considered a love child who would the parents be? So like musical artists, bands, etc.?
Baugus: That’s a good question.
Dobbs: We got to do two ends of the spectrum here.
Griffith: Can I put Kings of Leon on one end?
Hall: That’s fair.
Dobbs: And then Black Sabbath on the other and then Pink Floyd in the middle.
Carmen: So, it was NOT a monogamous relationship then.
Ambar: If you were stranded on a deserted island, which instrument would you guys bring to keep you entertained?
Baugus: I feel like everyone’s answer would have to be an acoustic.
Hall: Yeah, acoustic guitar.
Dobbs: Probably this here doohickey.
Baugus: Oh, come on.
Griffith: Blake, you don’t mean that bro.
Dobbs: If I get a pack of batteries, I’ll be chillin.
Carmen: If each band member had to describe their role in the band as an animal, what would you be and why?
Dobbs: A beluga whale.
Carmen: Love it.
Ambar: A beluga whale? Why?
Dobbs: I’m cool, I’m hanging out, and I feel like I’m underwater a lot.
Carmen: Great answer.
Dobbs: Can I say Wyatt’s?
Hall: Yeah, say what you think he is.
Dobbs: I think Wyatt’s the lion, Bennett’s the giraffe, and Preston is the antelope.
Baugus: They’re all like safari animals.
Ambar: There’s no beluga whale in the safari.
Carmen: OK, you’ve thought about this before. This isn’t the first time you’ve been asked this.
Griffith: I feel like Blake had a really weird dream about this.
Dobbs: You know, I don’t dream Wyatt.
Carmen: That’s so sad.
Hall: I don’t know how I came across as a gazelle.
Dobbs: ANTELOPE. Or zebra for Preston. And then if I have to be anything in the safari I guess…
Griffith: You’d be like a meerkat.
Dobbs: No. A flamingo.
Ambar: A lot having to do with water, I see.
Hall: He’s underwater regardless.
Ambar: If you had a time machine and could visit any musical era, which area would you visit and why?
Hall: Like late ’60s, the soul circuit, like Marvin Gaye and Etta James, Aretha Franklin , James Brown and stuff. I think that’s like some of the coolest era of music that I would love to witness personally.
Baugus: Yeah. Just to see, like Elvis in his prime and, you know, early mid ’60s would be so cool. And just all the golden oldies stuff going on, like Patsy Cline and all the classics.
Griffith: I’m drawn to say late ’70s, maybe early 80s, but I actually think I have to agree with them and say the ’60s when rock was kind of starting to take off.
Dobbs: I don’t want to be boring and say the same thing because I totally agree with you guys. So I’m going to say…
Griffith: 2004.
Dobbs: Yeah haha transport me to the pit at a Rob Thomas concert. I was going to say like post-World War two right before Bennett’s era, where it’s big band jazz and big swing and there’s those really fast coupe cop cars and trench coats and hats and like, you know, classy shit.
Carmen: Those are all really good answers.
Ambar: You guys could also have gone to the future.
Baugus: Oh, I didn’t even think about that.
Hall: I don’t want to.
Dobbs: Why would we wanna do that.
Griffith: Yeah that’s kind of frightening.
Hall: The future’s all AI.
Ambar: There’s no future.
Griffith: Yeah did you hear about that asteroid?
Ambar: Oh yeah.
Hall: We’re taking bets on the asteroid.
Ambar: Where are you guys placing bets on that?
Dobbs: Nevada.
Ambar: Alright final question that we forgot to write down, what are you most looking forward to with your tour with Flipturn?
Dobbs: ooo DC.
Griffith: Just getting to watch those guys every night is a treat in itself. Their fanbase and their crowd are some of the coolest people we’ve ever had the chance to play for. They have a really devoted fan base and very respectful people. Very supportive and yeah, super stoked to to get to hang out with those guys.
Baugus: And their new album is amazing and we’re excited to see those songs live.
Ambar: It’s going to be an awesome show, having you guys together open the show and have them perform.
Griffith: we’re in Atlanta right now working on our next our next piece of work. So hopefully we’ll have a song or two to perform.
Howdy: The Landon Gay Story
by Sydney Whitten
Photo
Howdy.
No… no.
Not the idiom.
The multi-talented artist Howdy (AKA Landon Gay.)
If you’re not familiar with this singer/songwriter, allow me to acquaint you with this Jacksonville native (and if you’re already a fan make sure you stick along too.)
As a lad, Gay’s days spent listening to country tunes on the radio were the dawn of his musical curiosities, which led to him picking up the guitar and singing alongside familiar chords. This gradual ease into intrinsic recital shifted from a mere pastime to an endeavor into the musical landscape.
“When I was in high school my interest in guitar, country, folk and singer-songwriter music shifted from a hobby to a focal point in the development of my identity,” shared Gay. “Playing guitar and singing songs shifted to creating my own music and developing my own sound. Music became a place where I could search myself to figure out who I was.”
Fast forward to today where the search has unearthed a voice that is confident yet charismatic and “makes you listen in close.”
Gay tends to strip back down to the firm foundation as “there’s not a better sound than two acoustic guitars playing with each other.” A pivotal instru ment in his own melodic storytelling.
His ability to navigate through such diverse genres as country, indie, folk and “beach” gives him an edge, as listeners are always on their toes with anticipation. This prowess was influenced by Danny Goddard, Gay’s mentor and good friend.
“When I was in college, Goddard lent me a hard drive called ‘The Well’ he had compiled over most of his life. That hard drive contained an encyclope dia worth of big band, country blues, bluegrass, folk, folk rock, and country from the 40s to through the early 2000s,” Gay said.
The bestowing of this musical archive was pivotal to Gay’s molding.
“Some of those groups that really stuck with me included Graham Parsons, Neil Young, Jim Croce, Glen Campbell, Bread and I’m sure plenty others that I’m forgetting,” he says. “Jim Croce is my North Star though. Everything about the spirit of his music and performance is what I’m after these days.”
His list of inspirations doesn’t stop there as he also credits artists such as Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Keith Urban, the Avett Brothers, Shakey Graves and Mapache.
(By the way, if any members of Mapache are reading this, I need you to an swer Landon’s DMs, so we can be blessed with a killer collaboration.)
“Lighting the fire in someone else almost does more for me than having a room full of people clapping. It’s like giving somebody a wave. Feels better to see them ride it than for you to take it for yourself. Even if I make it big, I still see myself sitting down at a piano or with a guitar with a little one and trying to inspire a love for music the way that so many people did for me. I’m eternally grateful for each of them and I hope I can do the same for others. Sharing music through teaching has brought more joy to my life than receiving applause ever has.”
Alongside the influence of other passionate musicians, Gay’s own introspection and marvel are imprinted throughout his songwriting.
“I think there’s something incredible about the way that a songwriter can make you feel like they’re singing about your life and not theirs. That sort of universal humanity thing,” remarked Gay. “Those little moments like smells and sights and things that make you think of your own life. I really dig that stuff.”
Gay’s preferred storytelling is blithe as he doesn’t care for, “over-romanticized or dramatic songs,” as that’s not his “MO” but rather jumpstarting the recollection of “burning your coffee [or] the feeling you get when when your cat jumps into bed with you” for the listeners.
His latest single, “Golden” is directly inspired by this same approach.
“‘Golden’ is all about the small moments and tiny experiences you have with someone that build your understanding of them,” he said. “I think that inspiration comes from the way that, specifically, country folk and bluegrass music depict everyday life.”
As Gay nears the release of his EP “Round About Way,” he will be sharing songs from the project as he explores a “high fidelity” sound with “a more settled spirit.”
After years in the making, Gay says the EP is “still pretty self-reflective” of the contemporary.
“I think this just kind of reflects the stage of life I’m in. I’m pretty settled and happy with who I am and what I sound like and I’m not trying to cover that up with plugins, processing and music magic. I wrote these songs a few years ago, so they’re still pretty self-reflective but all in all, there’s a sense of gratitude and thankfulness through all of them,” Gay admitted.” There’s a sense of appreciation for my life and all the beautiful things around me.”
With this new phase, Gay said, “Something in my spirit feels more in tune,” allowing him to embrace his sound authentically — and the overflowing support from the community.
“Jacksonville has been amazing in terms of acceptance. Since I’m from here, I feel an immense amount of support from my community. I’ve put a lot of time in here,” he exclaimed. “I play pedal steel in a bunch of different bands, and I support my friends so I think what you put out comes back to you.”
His buoyant personality and unadulterated love for music have ignited a flame that has no plan of dying out anytime soon as his desires to continue to push pen to paper are outlined in his future endeavors.
“The end goal for me would be to write songs for a living and not have to tour a day in my life. Be more of a guy behind the scenes,” expressed Gay. “I’ve never really liked attention so I think publishing is definitely for me. I also love teaching, especially children. Lighting the fire in someone else almost does more for me than having a room full of people clapping. It’s like giving somebody a wave. Feels better to see them ride it than for you to take it for yourself. Even if I make it big, I still see myself sitting down at a piano or with a guitar with a little one and trying to inspire a love for music the way that so many people did for me. I’m eternally grateful for each of them and I hope I can do the same for others. Sharing music through teaching has brought more joy to my life than receiving applause ever has.”
Landon Gay - a.k.a Howdy - is trekking towards a future that is fueled by rhythmic notes and happiness that join together to further propel his talents.
To keep up with Howdy, follow him on Instagram at @howdytunes and Spotify.
ARCHIVES TO AIRWAVES: JAX’S RADIO IMPACT
Words by Johvan Merilus & photos by Carmen Macri
At a time when radio was fairly new and being used extensively for the first time, Jacksonville didn’t hesitate to get involved in the movement as WJAX was the first station to go on air in 1925. By the 1940s, nearly 90% of households in America had a radio. Radio became a tether between the sounds of music and the people who had genuine love for it. In Jacksonville, the use of radio gave the city life as it allowed people to find a sense of identity and also brought recognition here to the River City.
Jacksonville has always had its own sound, which continues to thrive because of its originality and authenticity. One of the key factors for the rise of musicality in Jacksonville was due to the rise of free radio, as the airwaves are used to reach out and connect people throughout the city. It takes more than just someone pressing the buttons on the sound board, however, but rather someone having a connection in bridging together both music and people. But just as radio is important, so is the person behind the table spinning the records on air.
One person who’s been responsible for not only being a cornerstone in the world of radio but also giving Jacksonville its own catch phrase in saying “DUUUUUVVVAALL” is none other than Everett Eason AKA Easy E. After his time with the military and moving from Savannah, he found himself mixing up in the Jacksonville club scene.
“I was a DJ in the club and a producer, so when I got out I had a song that I produced a long time ago,” Eason shared. “I went to this radio station that was called Hot 106.5 and I asked a guy to play my song on the radio.”
Based on his appearance and charisma, the program director noticed this man could and should have a place in radio, especially with his company.
“Long story short, he was like, ‘I liked your swag and you sound like you’re cool.’ He took me into his office and next thing you know, he told me to bring back a resume. I brought it back and boom, a month later he hired me, and I’ve been doing this since ’92,” Eason explained.
When it comes to radio, Easy E has been a cornerstone for the city of Jacksonville as he’s been a part of producing songs such as “My City Duval” with help from co-producer Jay McGowan.
“I was a DJ in the club, I was a mixer so being a radio disc jock, I didn’t know I would get to become the biggest in the city,” Eason said.
As Eason’s journey commenced, he began creating his own style — not only with how he represented himself, but all of Jacksonville. As the popularity of his radio show started climbing, so did its influence on the culture. During the civil rights movement, radio played a key role in projecting the voices of Black people in America who held positions of status as musicians or activists. It was Jacksonville’s own WCGL radio station that was behind sharing the voices of the movement during its pivotal times: Radio became a force that would elevate the voices of those needing to tell a story.
WJAX-AM was once the go-to radio station for news, weather, breaking stories and advertisements. But as radio evolved in the late 1990s, FM music stations began dominating the airwaves, marking a clear shift. What had once been a vital news source gradually transformed into a platform for entertainment. The city had entered a new age in which its identity was beginning to expand. Stations such as 106.5 were responsible for defining what would be the new sound of Jacksonville.
“I was working 12 midnight to six in the morning doing the old school stuff,” Eason shared. “We had a wall of CDs from A to Z and they were numbered with commercials because everything was handpicked there, nothing was electronic, how it is now.”
Though that era brought change to radio and its push for music, the evolution process didn’t stop there. Traditional radio began to find itself being challenged to change as digital streaming and podcasts gained popularity. In order for radio to continue to be relevant, it had to adapt with the times and help promote these new services.
“The evolution is crazy because right now, I can record in different cities and not be there. I’ve done a morning show in Atlanta, Savannah, Tallahassee, Tampa, and even Miami,” Eason said.
Radio stations reached a turning point where they had to adapt to stay relevant. They embraced social media for promotion, developed mobile apps and focused more on engaging their listeners. As technology advanced, traditional radio was forced to evolve, finding new ways to connect with its audience.
Most of the time people see radio as just pushing buttons and speaking on the microphone, but what’s never seen is the magic it holds in forming a culture that people can resonate with.
“I heard the Duval chant in the streets of Jacksonville. So I took it back, came into the studio, and I wanted to spell mine differently with 5 U’s, 4 V’s, 3 A’s and 2 L’s… And it spread like wildfire to where even the Jaguars picked it up,” Eason explained. “People ask why didn’t I trademark it? Hell, I didn’t know it would do this fantastic and now it’s nationwide. It’s everywhere.”
From just the mention of the word “DUUUUUVVVVAAALL” on the radio, the phrase took on a life of its own, a line that brought a sense of community not only to Jacksonville but across the globe. Radio surpassed its common perspective as a tool to a platform because of how influential it can be.
Radio has come a long way from being a simple boombox, but the industry has set itself apart as to what can influence the culture of a society. The purpose of a radio isn’t just to blast tunes but to lend a hand in uplifting the city’s spirits because they love the city and want to make it happy.
“For me, I never looked at the money, I just looked at the excitement because I love what I do,” Eason shared.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
People love coffee. Many of them love cats. Imagine if there was a way to combine the two.
Cat cafes are nonprofit cat rescues where people can buy coffee drinks often named after felines. (Cattuccino, anyone?) While sipping, patrons can also pet cats.
Cat cafes began in 1948. The first was the Cat Flower Garden in Taipei, Taiwan. The concept has since spread throughout Asia, Europe, and the US.
According to the Frisky Cat Cafe in St. Augustine, cat lounges within the cafes promote cat and kitten adoptions by letting the cats roam in a more entertaining environment for both its customers and cat residents. Cat lounges are easily accessible yet separate, closed-off sections with happy, healthy cats available and ready for adoption.
Sometimes, the mingling is free; sometimes, there’s a small charge to visit the cat lounge to benefit the rescue. The fees can range from $5 to $11 per person, depending on the location.
Cat cafes near you
Florida is a feline state! There are 240 cat cafes in the United States, 10% of which are in Florida.
There are 23 known cat cafes in Florida. Three of these are in Northeast Florida. The Frisky Cat Cafe and the Witty Whisker Cat Cafe are in St. Augustine, and the Caffeinated Cat Cafe is inJacksonville Beach.
This cat map shows cat cafes throughout the United States expanding outside Florida.
Do I have to adopt from the cat cafe to see the cats?
No. You do not have to adopt a cat to visit the cat rooms or interact with the cats. However, depending on the location, fees may apply.
In St. Augustine, the Frisky Cat Cafe visitors must pay $10 to visit its cafe & cat lounge. 25% of all profits goes toward the Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue. The Witty Whisker Cat Cafe allows guests to stop by its cafe at no charge. But, to visit the cat lounge, guests must pay an $11 fee and can stay there for up to one hour. Guests under two years of age can access the cat lounge for free.
In Jacksonville, The Caffeinated Cat Cafe allows guests to visit the cafe and cat room for free by purchasing any of its cafe beverages. A $5 entry fee is required to see the cat room without buying a beverage. Children under the age of 6 cannot enter the cat room.
How can I adopt? What to know before adopting a cat from your cafe.
If you aren’t sure what cat(s) you would like to adopt from your cat cafe, you can reserve a time to stop by or visit through walk-in during their regular hours. Cat cafe workers can speak with customers to help further educate them and provide them with resources to provide the best care after adoption.
Frisky Cat Cafe
To find your new best friend from the Frisky Cat Cafe, reserve a time in the cat lounge or walk in from 11 a.m.-6 p.m, Monday through Friday, or from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Before visiting the cat lounge, you must sign a waiver form.
Adoptions start at $145, and all cats are already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested, dewormed and free from fleas/mites, and are microchipped. Once adopted, the microchip comes with a free registration.
You can complete an adoption application online and view available kittens and cats at friskycatcafe.com.
Witty Whisker Cat Cafe
To adopt a furry friend, reserve a time to visit the cat lounge or just walk in. The cat lounge hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. The cafe is closed on Tuesday.
Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before entering the cat room.
Adoption prices range depending on the age of the cats. Kittens (12 weeks to 1 year) are $170, adult cats (2 years to 7 years) are $145, seniors (8+ years) are $115, and exotic/specialty breeds are $220. All cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas, and microchipped. The entire adoption fee goes to Feline Canopy of Care to help offset the cost of veterinary care.
You can complete an adoption application online and view available kittens and cats at wittywhisker.com.
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe does not have a website, and inquiries can be made via phone at (904) 853-5154 or in person.
You can reserve a time to visit the cat lounge by calling or walking in. The cat lounge is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and is closed on Monday. Children under the age of 6 cannot enter the cat room.
How can I contribute to the cat cafe foundations without adopting?
If you aren’t looking to adopt but would like to contribute to their donation, look no further.
The Caffeinated Cat accepts donations through PayPal. Donations can be sent to mayportcats@yahoo.com.
The Frisky Cat Cafe accepts donations through PayPal, and donations can be sent here.
The Witty Whisker Cat cafe partners with Feline Canopy of Care, and donations can be sent to the rescue through PayPal here.
Activities and services beyond adoption and coffee.
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe has a spay/neuter, vaccination, flea treatment, and check-up option each week for adopted cats. Cats can be brought in and treated. The fee for pets is $100, and for ferals, it is $75. Dates and times change weekly, and updates are uploaded to the Caffeinated Cat Cafe’s Facebook page.
The Frisky Cat Cafe has events, including Yoga with Cats and Friday happy hours. These events must be registered for in advance through the events page.
The Witty Whiskers Cat Cafe offers events, including Belly Dancing with Cats. The cost is $25 a person or $11 if you bring cat supplies from its wishlist to donate to the organization. It also offers a Mewsic Night, where local music artists play live in the cat lounge. Varieties of Yoga, including Yin and Restorative Yoga classes, take place in the cat room. Cat room painting classes on select Fridays start at $39, including a complimentary drink. ALL events must be registered for in advance through the events page.
So whether you’re looking for a new best friend or looking to be a crazy cat person without the commitment to over a dozen cats roaming your home: cat cafes are your new go-to place.
Cajun Crab Juice Seafood & Bar Jax cajuncrabjax.com
Cliff’s Bar & Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
El Fogón de Munchies facebook.com/elfogonMunchiesBoricuas
Fancy Sushi & Grill Japanese Restaurant fancysushiandgrill.com
Fuji Sushi fujisushi-fl.com
The Good Place Nutrition facebook.com/thegoodplacenutrition
ABBQ abbqmeatdrink.com
Anejo anejococinamexicana.com
Angie’s Subs facebook.com/angiessubs
Aqua Grill aquagrill.net
Azurea at One Ocean azurearestaurant.com
Barbara Jean’s on the Water barbarajeansonthewater.com
Caffe Andiamo caffeandiamo.com
Cantina Louie cantinalouie.com
Coop 303 coop303.com
Cruisers Grill cruisersgrill.com
Dockside Seafood docksideseafoodrestaurant.com
Dos Vatos Tacos dosvatostacosfl.com
Eleven South elevensouth.com
Engine 15 Brewing Company engine15.com
European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com
Grinders American Diner grindersamdiner.com
Lauren’s Jazz, Blues & Seafood facebook.com/laurensseafoodbluesjazz
La Palmerita orderlapalmerita.com
Palms Fish Camp palmsfishcamp.com
Pupuseria El Paraíso pupuseriaelparaisojax.com
Rice + Noodles Korean Restaurant riceandnoodles.net
The Fish Company Restaurant and Oyster Bar thefishcojax.com
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar flyingiguana.com
The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar thegoatjax.com
GROM facebook.com/Grom904
Hawkers eathawkers.com
JJ’s Liberty Bistro jjbistro.com/ponte-vedra
Kamiya 86 kamiya86fl.com
Lone Wolf Co. lonewolfjax.com
Marker 32 marker32.com
Mezzaluna mezzalunajax.com
Mojo Kitchen mojobbq.com/mojo-kitchen
Nona Blue Modern Tavern nonablue.com
North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com
Oaxaca Club theoaxacaclub.com O-Ku o-kusushi.com
Seven Wonders Restaurant 7wondersbakery.com
Southern Coast Seafood southerncoastseafood.com
Tabouleh Cafe taboulehcafe.com
Thai & Lao Bistro thaiandlaobistro.com
The Juicy Crab thejuicycrab.com
Zen Dumpling zendumplings.com
Palm Valley Fish Camp palmvalleyfishcamp.com
Poe’s Tavern poestavern.com
Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant safeharbor-seafood.com
Salt Life Food Shack saltlifefoodshack.com
Salumeria 104 Atlantic Beach salumeria104.com
Singleton’s Seafood Shack singletonsseafood.com
Sliders Oyster Bar slidersoysterbar.com
Southern Grounds southerngrounds.com
Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com
TacoLu tacolu.com
Talkin’ Tacos talkintacos.net
Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com
Two Dudes Seafood Restaurant twodudesrestaurant.com
Valley Smoke BBQ valleysmoke.com
Vicious Biscuit viciousbiscuit.com
Bellweather bellwetherjax.com
The Bread and Board thebreadandboard.com
The Brick Coffee House brickcoffeehouse.com
Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com
Casa Dora Italian Cafe facebook.com/casadorajax
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Estrella Cocina estrellajax.com
Bella Vista bellavistaitalian.com
Berndt Ends BBQ facebook.com/berndtendsbbq
Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro bluebamboojacksonville.com
ChopHouse Thirteen chophouse13.com
Enza’s Italian Restaurant enzas.net
ISO ISO Ramen isoisoramen.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken boldbirdshotchicken.com
Buchner’s Bierhall buchnersbierhalle.com
The Butt Hutt Smokehouse butthuttjax.com
Chancho King chanchoking.com
The Dreamette dreametteicecream.com
The Happy Grilled Cheese thehappygrilledchees.wixsite.com/grilledcheese
Indochine indochinejax.com
Juliette’s Bistro at Marriott Jacksonville Downtown marriott.com
Morton’s The Steakhouse mortons.com
Ocean Street Tacos oceanstreettacos.com
On The Fly Sandwiches & Stuff (food truck) ontheflyjax.com
The River Club jaxriverclub.com
Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.com
Super Food & Brew superfoodandbrew.com
Sweet Pete’s sweetpetescandy.com
Tavern at the Hyatt Regency hyatt.com
Kazu Japanese Restaurant kazujapaneserestaurant.com
Le Petit Paris French Cafe lepetitparisjax.com
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen mandolas.com
Masala Indian Cuisine jaxmasala.com
Metro Diner metrodiner.com
Nudo Vietnam Cuisine nudoinjax.com
One Night Taco Stand onenightjax.com
El Jefe Tex Mex eljefejax.com
Fired Up Pizza woodfireduppizza.com
La Cena Ristorante No website. Google it!
Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com/murray-hill
Moon River Pizza moonriverpizza.net
Picasso’s Pizzeria jaxpicassos.wixsite.com/jaxpicassos
Rosy’s Restaurant rosys-restaurant.business.site
Salento Steakhouse salentosteakhouse.com
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe tazikis.com
Thai Blossom Bistro thaiblossombistrofl.com
Umami Japanese Curry & Ramen umamijax.com
Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com
Murray Hillbilly murrayhillbilly.com
Solazo Taqueria solazofl.business.site
The Stout Snug thestoutsnug.com
Vagabond Coffee Co. vagabondcoffee.com
The Walrus thewalrusjax.com
Aloha Waffle Bar alohawafflebar.com
Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine celestiascoastalcuisine.com
Epik epikeats.com
Fuji Yama fujiyamajax.com
Galaxy Burger galaxyburgersjax.com
13 Gypsies 13gypsies.com
904 Tacos facebook.com/904tacosfivepoints
Ale Pie House alepiehousefl.com
Arepa Please arepaplease.com
Bagel Love bagel-love.ueniweb.com
Biggie’s Pizza biggiespizzajax.com
Biscottis biscottis.net
The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar bluefishjax.com
Blue Buddha bluebuddhaspecialty.com
Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine blueorchidthai.com
Bold Bean boldbeancoffee.com
Brew Five Points brewfivepoints.co
Carolina Jax carolinajax.com
Carmines Pie House carminespiehouse.com
Cool Moose Cafe coolmoosecafe.net
Green Papaya Pan Asian Cuisine greenpapayaus.com
Joseph’s Pizza josephspizza.com/northside-full-menu
The Jungle Bowl facebook.com/thejunglebowl
Junior’s Seafood Restaurant juniorsseafoodrestaurant.com/north-jacksonville
Masala Mantra masalamantrajax.com
Corner Taco cornertaco.com
Cuisine 76 & Bar cuisine76andbar.com
European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com
The Fox Restaurant facebook.com/thefoxrestaurant
The Greenhouse and Bar thegreenhousebar.com
Hawkers eathawkers.com
Homespun Kitchen homespunkitchen.com
Iguana on Park iguanaonpark.com
Josephine josephineavondale.com
Kickbacks Gastropub kickbacksgastropub.com
Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com
MOJO No. 4 Urban BBQ & Whiskey Bar mojobbq.com/mojo-no-4
The Mossfire Grill mossfire.com
Nacho Taco nachotaco.net
Pattaya Thai Grill pattayathaijax.com
Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant nagasakisushirestaurant.com
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar newberlinfishhouse.com
Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steak ship2shoreseafood.com
Sushi Zen Jax sushizenfl.kwickmenu.com
Terry’s Grill facebook.com/terrysgrill
Pizza Cave facebook.com/pizzacave5pts
Prospect Five Points prospectfivepoint.com
Restaurant Orsay restaurantorsay.com
River & Post riverandpostjax.com
Sake House sakehousejax.com
Southern Grounds southerngrounds.com
S & R Dim Sum srdimsumjax.com
Sushi Cafe sushicafejax.com
Sweet Theory Baking Company sweettheorybakingco.com
Taqueria Cinco taqueria5points.com
Toscana Little Italy toscanajax.com
1937 1937sanmarco.com
Bar Molino barmolino.com
bb’s bbsrestaurant.com
The Bearded Pig thebeardedpigbbq.com
Bistro X Restaurant and Lounge bistrox.com
Blue San Marco bluesanmarco.com
Chart House chart-house.com
European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com
Fla. Juice and Bowl flajuiceandbowl.com
1748 Bakehouse 1748bakehouse.com
Bold City Downtown boldcitybrewery.com
Dainty Cheesecake Company daintycheesecake.com
Dos Vatos Tacos dosvatostacosfl.com
Casa Dora Italian Cafe casadoraitaliancusinepizzeria.com
Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Restaurant caribbeansunrisebakery.com
Crispy’s Springfield Gallery facebook.com/CrispysSpringfieldGallery
Flavors of Thai flavors-of-thai.business.site
Fuji Sushi jacksonvillefujisushi.com
Gemma gemmafishandoyster.com
Green Papaya greenpapayajax.com
The Local thelocaljax.com
Matthew’s Restaurant matthewsrestaurant.com
The Metro Diner metrodiner.com
Oceana oceana.restaurant
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille theolivetreemediterraneangrille.com
Flavva flavvajacksonville.com
Island Tropics Restaurant facebook.com/Island-Tropics-Restaurant-Lounge
Tha Soulfood Smagicians facebook.com/thasmagicians
The Dreamette dreametteicecream.com
The District thedistrictspr.com
Hola Mexican Restaurant holajax.com
Indulgence Southern Bistro indulgencesouthernbistro.com
III Forks 3forks.com/location/jacksonville
4 Rivers Smokehouse 4rsmokehouse.com
Alien Taco and Tequila Bar alientaco.net
Amazing Thai Restaurant amazingthaijax.com
Bazille at Nordstrom nordstrom.com
Blaze Pizza blazepizza.com
Peterbrooke peterbrooke.com/pages/san-marco
Pink Salt Restaurant + Wine Bar pinksaltrestaurant.com
Rue Saint-Marc ruesaintmarc.com
Sake House 2 sakehousejax2.com
Southern Grounds southerngrounds.com
Taverna taverna.restaurant
Town Hall townhalljax.com
V Pizza vpizza.com
Voodoo Brewing Co. jacksonville.voodoobrewery.com
Othello othellospringfield.com
Social Grounds Coffee Roasters social-grounds-coffee.myshopify.com
Strings Sport Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com
Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar meetatsilkies.com
Tulua Bistro instagram.com/tuluabistro
Uptown Kitchen and Bar uptownkitchenjax.com
Waafa and Mike’s Cafe facebook.com/waafaandmikes
Broadway Deli & Grill facebook.com/broadwaydeliandgrill
Catullo’s Italian catullos.hrpos.heartland.us/menu
Cataluna Jax catalunajax.com
Culhane’s Irish Pub culhanesirishpub.com
The French Pantry thefrenchpantryfl.com
Fresh Mex & Co. freshmexjax.com
Galaxy Burger galaxyburgersjax.com
Hopdoddy Burger Bar hopdoddy.com
Just Jerk justjerkbbq1.com
Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant ahadu-ethiopian-restaurant.business.site
Aspendos Italian Cuisine aspendositaliancuisine.com
Banana Leaf Asian Bistro facebook.com/bananaleafasianbistro
Cross Creek Steakhouse and Ribs crosscreeksteakhouse.com
Ellianos Coffee ellianos.com
The Juicy Crab thejuicycrabjax.com
1928 Cuban Bistro-Fleming Island 1928cubanistro.com
Akaya Grill & Sushi Restaurant akayaonline.com
Bangin Burgers banginburgurs.com
Black Creek Cafe black-creek-cafe-middleburg.com
Chophouse Thirteen chophouse13.com
Corky Bell’s Seafood & Steaks corkybellsseafood.com
El Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen palermopuertoricankitchen.com
Marianas Grinds facebook.com/marianasgrinds
Marker 32 marker32.com
Mr. Potato Spread mrpotatospread.com
Midtown Table midtowntable.medurebrothers.com
Norikase norikase.com
Prati Italia pratiitalia.com
La Perla Mexican Restaurant orderlaperlamexicanrestaurant.com
Lewey’s Seafood and Wings leweys-seafood-wings.business.site
Mesa mesajax.com
The Metro Diner metrodiner.com
The Potter’s House Soul Food and Bistro thesoulfoodbistro.com
Puerto Plata Restaurant puertoplatarestaurant.com
El Pegao Restaurant facebook.com/eloegaorestaurant
Holey Moley Bagel Bar NYC facebook.com/HoleyMoleyBagelBar
King Kabob eatkingkabob.com
La Catrina Tacos & Tequila Bar lacatrinalovers.com
Leaderboard Arcade Bar & Pizzeria leaderboardarcade.com
Legacy Restaurant & Bar instagram.com/legacyloungejax
Mackey’s Munchies mackeysmunchies.com
Purple Roots purplerootsjacksonville.com
Seasons 52 seasons52.com
Senor Loco Tacos and Tequila senortacosand-tequila.com
Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cooking sweetmamasjacksonville.com
Taste of Thai tasteofthaijax.com
Texas de Brazil texasdebrazil.com
Sushi Bear sushibearjax.com
Sweet Peppers Deli sweetpeppersdeli.com
Trent’s Seafood jltrents.com
Tsaocaa Oakleaf tsaocaatea.com
Mr. Potato Spread mrpotatospread.com
Natural Kitchen naturalkitchenusa.com
OP Fish House & Oyster Bar opfishhouse.com
Ten Zushi tenzushionline.com
BITE
Two Sisters and A Deviled Crab 2sistersjax.com
Vito’s Pizza vitosorangepark.com
Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com
NIGHTLIFE
ARLINGTON
Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax
Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com
BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com
Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon
Fly’s Tie Irish Pub facebook.com/flystieirishpub
Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com
Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com
Gusto gustojax.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com
Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com
Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley
Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com
Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab
Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch
Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com
Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com
Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com
Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com
Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com
Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com
Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com
Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com
Reve Brewing revebrewing.com
The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com
Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com
Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com
Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com
VooSwar Restaurant & Lounge instagram.com/vooswar
DOWNTOWN
The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Decca Live deccalive.com
Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com
Element Bistro Bar & Lounge elementjax.com
Hardwicks hardwicksbarjax.com
Intuition Aleworks intuitionaleworks.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Justice Pub facebook.com/thejusticepub
Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax
Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com
Myth Nightclub & Bar mythexperience.com
Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila
Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com
FLEMING ISLAND
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com/fleming-island
Mercury Moon facebook.com/mercury-moon
Mr. Chubby’s Wings mrchubbyswings.com
Sunset Tiki Bar the-sunset-tiki-bar.business.site
Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com
INTRACOASTAL WEST
9 Zero Pour 9zeropour.com
MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille
The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MANDARIN/JULINGTON CREEK/ FRUIT COVE
2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/iggysgrill
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysunclemandarin.com
Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MURRAY HILL
Axe Champs axechamps.com
Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com
The Boot Rack Saloon boot-rack-saloon.business.site
Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com
The Flamingo theflamingojax.com
Mustang Bar & Grill facebook.com/themustangjax
Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com
Silver Cow silvercowjax.com
Spruce sprucejax.com
The Walrus thewalrusjax.com
NORTHSIDE
Coppertop Bar and Restaurant coppertopbarandrestaurant.com
Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com
ORANGE PARK/MIDDLEBURG
57 Heaven facebook.com/57heavenop
Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com
Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com
The Daq Shack thedaqshack904.com
Dee’s Music Bar and Grill facebook.com/musicbarandgrill
The Fresh Spot Lounge thefreshspotlounge.com
LeaderBoard Arcade leaderboardarcade.com
Locals Pub localspub.co
Nakama Anime Bar nakamabar.com
Park Avenue Billiards parkavenuebilliards.com
Pinglehead Brewing Company pinglehead.com
Southern Social Whiskey Bar & Lounge southernsocialbar.com
RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE
Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com
Burlock & Barrel burlockandbarrel.com
Dart Bar & Games facebook.com/dartbarjax
Eclipse Bar & Nightclub facebook.com/eclipsebarjax
The Garage garagejax.com
The Green House thegreenhousebar.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Incahoots incahootsnightclub.com
Kanine Social Taproom kaninesocial.com
Keg & Coin kegandcoinjax.com
Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com
Lemonstreet Brewing Company lemonstreetbrewing.com
The Loft loftjax.com
Mickie’s Irish Pub facebook.com/mickiesjax
Myrtle Avenue Brewing facebook.com/myrtleavebrewing
Park Place Lounge park-place-lounge.business.site
River & Post riverandpostjax.com
Riverside Liquors riversideliquors.biz
Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1
Root Down facebook.com/rootdownjax
Shores Liquor and Bar instagram.com/shoresliquoravondale
Wildcrafters facebook.com/wildcraftersjax
SAN MARCO/ST. NICHOLAS
1937 Spirits & Eatery 1937sanmarco.com
Aardwolf Brewing Company aardwolfbrewing.com
Bar Molino barmolino.com
Breezy Jazz House breezyjazzhouse.com
Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge cubalibrebar.com
Fore Score Golf Tavern forescoregolf.com
The Grape & Grain Exchange grapeandgrainexchange.com
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
The Mudville Grill themudvillegrill.com
The Players Grille playersgrille.com
Posting House posting.house
Sidecar instagram.com/sidecarjax
Voodoo Brewing instagram.com/voodoojax
SOUTHSIDE/ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
Austin Karaoke facebook.com/austinkaraoke
Bottlenose Brewing bottlenosebrewing.com
Cataluna Jax catalunajax.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Craft Beer jaxcraftbeer.com
Medusa Restaurant and Hookah Lounge facebook.com/medusa-loungejacksonville
Rio Restaurant and Lounge instagram.com/riorestauraunt.jax
Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery 7bridgesgrille.com
Sugar Factory instagram.com/sugarfactoryjacksonville Trio Lounge triohookahlounge.com
Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com
Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com
WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com
SPRINGFIELD
Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfieldgallery.com
The District thedistrictspr.com
Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com
Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen instagram.com/odd_birds
Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax
Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com
Stumpy’s Hatchet House stumpyshh.com
Tulua Bistro instagram.com/tuluabistro
ST. AUGUSTINE
Ancient City Brewing ancientcitybrewing.com
Arnold’s Lounge arnoldslounge.com
Beacon Listening Room beaconstaug.com
Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery sansebastianwinery.com
Dog Rose Brewing dogrosebrewing.com
The Original Café Eleven originalcafe11.com
Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com
Tradewinds Lounge tradewindslounge.com
WESTSIDE Elevation Lounge elevationjax.com
Lillian’s lillianssportsgrill.com
The Phoenix Bar & Bowling facebook.com/thephoenixjax
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“Fawn relaxing after skating” Joshua Bohannon
